Hypermobility: It’s More Than Being “Double-Jointed”
Have you ever been told that you’re “double-jointed” because you can bend your fingers, elbows, knees, or other joints farther than most people? This may be a sign of joint hypermobility, but being flexible is only one part of the picture. For some people, hypermobility is simply a normal variation and causes no problems. For others, it may be associated with joint pain, instability, muscle fatigue, frequent sprains, or difficulty controlling certain movements.
Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
You may have also heard of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), a group of inherited connective tissue disorders that can affect the body's collagen and connective tissues. Hypermobility does not automatically mean that you have EDS.There are many people who are hypermobile without having a connective tissue disorder.
One form, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), is associated with generalized joint hypermobility along with other signs and symptoms. Some people with significant hypermobility and related symptoms may instead be described as having hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD). These conditions can overlap in their presentation, which is why an appropriate medical assessment is important when symptoms are persistent, widespread, or significantly affecting daily life.
Why Can Hypermobility Cause Pain?
When a joint moves through a larger range, the muscles surrounding it may have to work harder to provide stability and control. Over time, this can contribute to muscle fatigue, aching, or feelings of instability. Some people describe their joints as feeling like they “shift,” “give way,” or are difficult to control, particularly during activities such as squatting, running, lifting, or prolonged standing.
Hypermobility can also affect different areas of the body in different ways. You may have significant mobility in your knees or elbows but not experience the same degree of movement elsewhere.
What Does Physiotherapy Do for Hypermobility?
Physiotherapy for hypermobility is generally not about becoming more flexible. In fact, additional stretching may not be helpful for someone whose joints already move beyond their available range. Instead, treatment focuses on helping you develop better strength, joint control, coordination, balance, and confidence with movement.
Your physiotherapist can assess how you move and identify areas where you may benefit from improved strength and stability. Treatment may include progressive resistance training, balance and proprioception exercises, movement retraining, activity modification, and strategies to gradually build your tolerance for everyday activities and exercise.
For people with hEDS or HSD, physiotherapy can be an important part of managing symptoms and improving function. Treatment should be individualized, as what works well for one person may not be appropriate for another.
Stronger, Not Stiffer
Being hypermobile doesn't mean you need to avoid exercise or live cautiously. With the right approach, strength and conditioning can help your body better tolerate the movement it naturally has. The goal isn't to take away your flexibility, it's to help you feel strong, stable, and confident in your body.
If you've always been told you're simply “double-jointed” but experience recurring joint pain, instability, frequent injuries, or unexplained muscle fatigue, consider speaking with a physiotherapist. And if your symptoms suggest a broader connective tissue disorder, your physiotherapist can work alongside your healthcare team and recommend appropriate medical assessment. Hypermobility isn't just about how far your joints can move, it's about how well your body manages that movement.
Book a Physiotherapy Assessment for Hypermobility in Barrie
If you are suspicious that you are experiencing symptoms of hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) or have a diagnosis and need guidance on management, our team can help.
Contact Integrative Physiotherapy & Wellness in Barrie to book a physiotherapy assessment today.
References
Castori, M., Tinkle, B., Levy, H., Grahame, R., Malfait, F., & Hakim, A. (2017). A framework for the classification of joint hypermobility and related conditions. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics, 175C(1), 148–157. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.c.31539
Engelbert, R. H. H., Juul-Kristensen, B., Pacey, V., de Wandele, I., Smeenk, S., Woinarosky, N., Sabo, S., Scheper, M. C., Russek, L., & Simmonds, J. V. (2017). The evidence-based rationale for physical therapy treatment of children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with joint hypermobility syndrome/hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics, 175C(1), 158–167.
Malfait, F., Francomano, C., Byers, P., Belmont, J., Berglund, B., Black, J., Bloom, L., Bowen, J. M., Brady, A. F., Burrows, N. P., Castori, M., Cohen, H., Colombi, M., Demirdas, S., De Backer, J., De Paepe, A., Fournel-Gigleux, S., Frank, M., Giunta, C., ... Tinkle, B. (2017). The 2017 international classification of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics, 175C(1), 8–26. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.c.31552
Tinkle, B., Castori, M., Berglund, B., Cohen, H., Grahame, R., Kazkaz, H., & Levy, H. (2017). Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: Clinical description and natural history. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics, 175C(1), 48–69.
