When the Body Says No: A Hand Therapist’s Perspective on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Chaz Lucius’s Story
As a Certified Hand Therapist, I work closely with individuals navigating the challenges of musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions. So when I read the recent statement from Chaz Lucius—a talented young hockey player retiring due to a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)—it struck a deep chord. Here is the NHL on EDS.
Chaz’s announcement was heartbreaking and courageous. At just 21 years old, with a future in the NHL within reach, he was forced to walk away from the game he loved because of something out of his control: a connective tissue disorder that makes high-impact sports nearly impossible to sustain safely. His story is a reminder that sometimes the strongest athletes have to make the most complex decisions—not on the ice, but off of it.
What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
EDS is a group of hereditary disorders that affect the body’s connective tissues—structures like skin, joints, ligaments, and blood vessel walls that provide support and stability. For someone with EDS, the collagen that gives tissues their strength and elasticity is faulty. This often leads to hypermobile joints, frequent dislocations, soft tissue injuries, and chronic pain.
From a therapy standpoint, we often see EDS in patients who present with joint instability in the fingers, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. They might describe frequent sprains, “loose” joints, or unexplained chronic pain. In Chaz’s case, it sounds like years of injuries and incomplete recoveries finally led to a deeper investigation and a life-changing diagnosis.
The Athlete’s Dilemma with EDS
Hockey is a brutally physical sport. It demands joint stability, strength, and resilience—things that are compromised in those with EDS. Repeated joint trauma can lead to long-term damage, prolonged recovery, and significant risk of complications. As a therapist, I’ve seen patients struggle emotionally when their bodies can’t keep up with their goals or passions. For an elite athlete like Chaz, the decision to retire is not just about stepping away from the sport—it’s about grieving a lifelong dream.
How Therapists Can Help
While we can’t “fix” EDS, therapists—especially those specializing in hand and upper extremity care—can play a key role in management. Our work involves:
1. Educating patients on joint protection strategies.
2. Creating customized splints to stabilize hypermobile joints.
3. Teaching safe strengthening and proprioceptive exercises
4. Helping with pain management and activity modification.
Our goal is to help individuals live as fully and actively as possible within their body’s limits.
Chaz’s Legacy: Awareness and Advocacy
Chaz Lucius may not wear an NHL jersey again, but his advocacy for EDS can have an even broader impact. His voice brings awareness to a condition that often goes undiagnosed for years. For those living with EDS, seeing someone like Chaz share his story validates their struggles and inspires hope.
As a hand therapist, I applaud his strength—not just in competition, but in stepping forward, speaking out, and turning a personal setback into a platform for awareness.
At Freedom Physical Therapy Services, we are lucky to have EDS trained PTs and OTs available to help others suffering from EDS and similar diagnoses regain function in their life. Schedule your appointment today.