Marty Aime, PT, DPT, OCS, GCS, Emeritus | Office Park Location
Hypermobility can be confusing, especially when it comes with pain, fatigue, dizziness, or frequent injuries. Many people grow up thinking they’re just “extra flexible” or “clumsy,” only to discover later that their symptoms are part of a larger picture. Two conditions—hypermobile Ehlers‑Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)—sit on this spectrum. Both involve differences in connective tissue, the material that supports your joints, skin, and organs. HSD/hEDS affects connective tissue in many body systems, causing widespread signs and symptoms involving most body systems. That means symptoms can show up almost anywhere in the body, not just in the joints.
People with hEDS or HSD often experience joint pain, muscle pain, frequent sprains, or joints that slip out of place more easily than they should. Fatigue is extremely common, and many individuals also deal with dizziness, fast heart rate when standing, temperature sensitivity, or “brain fog.” Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or reflux are also frequent companions. Your skin may bruise easily or heal slowly. Some people mostly struggle with pain, others with fatigue or coordination issues, and others with a mix of symptoms that change over time. People with hEDS or HSD diagnosed during childhood and adolescence may exhibit delayed motor development, poor coordination, and fatigue. The second and third decades of life tend to be dominated by recurrent muscle, joint, tendon… pain. Understanding this progression helps many people make sense of symptoms they’ve had for years.
A definitive diagnosis can take time because there is no single test for hEDS or HSD. Instead, clinicians look at joint flexibility, medical history, family history, and signs of connective‑tissue differences. They also rule out other conditions that can cause hypermobility. Many people are relieved when they finally receive a diagnosis—it gives them a framework for understanding their body and a path forward for managing symptoms.
One of the most helpful tools for living with hEDS or HSD is physical therapy, but it must be done in a way that respects the unique needs of hypermobile bodies. Research suggests that physical therapy is essential for individuals with HSD/hEDS and, if implemented correctly, can help decrease pain and improve endurance and quality of life. Appropriate physical therapy interventions focuses on gentle, gradual strengthening, improving balance and body awareness, and teaching safe movement patterns. It avoids aggressive stretching or high‑force joint manipulation, which can make symptoms worse. Many people benefit from learning pacing strategies to manage fatigue, as well as understanding how to protect their joints during daily activities.
Children with hypermobility often need support too. They may have delayed motor skills, frequent falls, fatigue, or pain. Early intervention can help them build strength, confidence, and better movement patterns that support them throughout life.
Living with hEDS or HSD is a lifelong journey, but people can absolutely thrive with the right knowledge and support. Understanding your triggers, strengthening safely, managing fatigue, supporting digestion and hydration, and addressing stress or anxiety can all make a meaningful difference. Many people find that once they understand their condition and learn how to care for their body, they feel more in control and less overwhelmed. You deserve care that listens, validates, and empowers you—and with the right tools, living well with hypermobility is entirely possible.