Connective Tissue Disorders

Connective tissue provides the body with its supportive framework. It helps hold the organs, muscles, skin, blood vessels and other structures together. It includes collagen, elastin, fascia and the tissue surrounding our cells and blood vessels.

Changes in connective tissue can affect the way tissues stretch and move, as well as comfort and the movement of fluid throughout the body.

A connective tissue disorder occurs when this supportive tissue doesn’t function as it should. Depending on the condition, it can affect:

Skin and fascia, including elasticity and tissue firmness
Joints and ligaments, affecting stability and flexibility
Blood vessels and their structure
Scar tissue and the healing process
The movement of fluid through the tissues

There are many different connective tissue disorders. Some are inherited, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, while others develop later or have more complex causes.

For people with connective tissue disorders, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) may be helpful when changes in the tissues are associated with swelling, fluid congestion, discomfort or a feeling of heaviness