That is a common misconception about EDS. Yes, strength is vital. However, there are times when stretching is important as well. When done correctly, stretching can be the only way to get oneself out of pain. The balance of strength and knowing when and how to stretch is the key.
The pain of EDSers is often experienced around the tendons. I would first start with heat though to relax the soft tissues. But yes, without strength, stretching alone is inadvisable. One has to be in touch with one’s body to know whether a tight muscle is at issue or weakness as both can cause a pain reaction, one in the soft tissue and the latter more deeply in the joint. I used to be a psychotherapist working with chronic pain and now work with soft tissue issues for the past 20 years.
