By Andrew Siyabalawatte, Oct 2022
What Is Hypermobility Syndrome?
Hypermobility syndrome is a condition where joints move beyond their normal range of motion.
For some people, hypermobility syndrome causes no problems at all. But for others, hypermobility syndrome leads to joint pain, instability, fatigue, and repeated injuries.
For some people, this just means they’re naturally flexible. But for others, that extra movement comes with a cost-pain, instability, frequent injuries, and long-term fatigue.
You might have always been told you’re “double-jointed” or unusually flexible. That can sound harmless, even positive. But when flexibility starts affecting how your body feels and functions day to day, it often points towards underlying joint instability.
Understanding this difference early matters more than most people realise.
Hypermobility Syndrome vs Normal Flexibility
In a healthy body, joints are supported by ligaments, tendons, muscles, and connective tissue working together.
With hypermobility syndrome, this support system is looser than normal. As a result, joints move too far, too easily, which reduces stability.
Some people with hypermobility syndrome experience mild symptoms, while others develop chronic pain and fatigue.
In some cases, hypermobility syndrome is linked to connective tissue conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Causes of Hypermobility Syndrome
Hypermobility syndrome can result from several factors, often working together-
Genetics – Certain connective tissue disorders are inherited and affect the structure of collagen, a protein that gives ligaments and tendons strength and elasticity.
Collagen abnormalities – Weak or overly elastic collagen fibers lead to lax ligaments and unstable joints.
Developmental factors – Children and adolescents naturally have more flexibility, but in some, this persists into adulthood.
Hormonal influences – Some research suggests that hormonal changes, such as increased relaxin during pregnancy, may temporarily increase joint laxity.
Lifestyle factors – Repetitive overstretching from dance, gymnastics, or yoga can worsen joint instability over time.
Joint Hypermobility and Pain
Joint Hypermobility is a frequent cause of chronic pain and fatigue, affecting at least 3% of the general population. Its tissues are characterized by being highly stretchy and soft to the touch, often described as “dough-like skin.”
Other commonly associated conditions include scoliosis, fibromyalgia, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and digestive issues.
Associated Conditions and Complications
Hypermobility syndrome can appear alongside or increase the risk of several other health issues, including-
Scoliosis – abnormal curvature of the spine
Fibromyalgia – widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue
Gout – inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid buildup
Rheumatoid arthritis – autoimmune joint inflammation
Digestive problems – such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) – jaw joint pain and clicking
These conditions can complicate diagnosis, as symptoms may overlap. Early recognition is vital to prevent unnecessary suffering and to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Hypermobility Syndrome and Chronic Pain
Joint hypermobility is more than just being “double-jointed.” For many people, hypermobility syndrome causes chronic joint pain, muscle fatigue, and even frequent injuries. Studies estimate that at least 3% of the general population experience significant symptoms from hypermobility syndrome.
One hallmark sign is soft, velvety, or “dough-like” skin, which reflects the underlying connective tissue laxity. Alongside pain, people may also experience joint swelling, muscle spasms, and reduced endurance.
How Do You Know If You Have Hypermobility Syndrome?
The Beighton Score is commonly used to assess hypermobility syndrome.
It measures how flexible key joints are and helps identify signs of hypermobility syndrome.
However, diagnosis of hypermobility syndrome is not based on flexibility alone. Symptoms, pain levels, and daily function are also considered.
Knuckle of the fifth (pinky) finger – both hands
Base of the thumb – both hands
Elbows – ability to hyperextend beyond normal
Knees – ability to hyperextend
Spine – ability to place palms flat on the floor with knees straight
Each positive finding scores one point, with higher scores indicating greater hypermobility.
Watch a demonstration here
Living With Hypermobility Syndrome
Living with hypermobility syndrome means learning how to support your joints rather than overstretch them.
Without management, hypermobility syndrome can lead to-
Avoiding high-impact sports that stress joints
Using supportive footwear
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce load on joints
Practicing low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling
While there’s no “cure” for hypermobility syndrome, effective management focuses on strengthening muscles, improving joint stability, and reducing pain.
But with the right approach, hypermobility syndrome can be managed effectively.
Helpful strategies for hypermobility syndrome include-
Strength-based exercise
Low-impact movement
Avoiding excessive stretching
Joint stability training
Gradual conditioning
Treatment Options for Hypermobility Syndrome
1. Physical Therapy and Exercise
Targeted exercise helps build the muscles that stabilize hypermobile joints. Therapists often focus on core stability, balance, and proprioception (body position awareness). Strengthening these areas reduces the risk of injury and helps manage pain.
2. Massage Therapy
Massage helps relax overworked muscles and improve blood circulation, reducing pain caused by compensatory tension. For people with hypermobility syndrome, gentle techniques are preferred to avoid overstretching tissues.
3. Osteopathy and Chiropractic Care
These treatments can help restore joint alignment, ease discomfort, and improve function—especially when combined with strengthening exercises.
4. Pain Management Strategies
Heat therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and gentle stretching can provide relief during flare-ups. In some cases, doctors may recommend joint injections to control inflammation.
Preventing Long-Term Complications
While hypermobility syndrome cannot always be prevented, you can reduce the risk of worsening symptoms by-
Staying active with controlled, low-impact movement
Building muscle endurance through gradual resistance training
Avoiding repetitive overstretching in sports or pilates
Seeking early intervention when pain or instability appears
Hypermobility Syndrome at Back To Health Wellness- When You Should Get Help
At Back To Health Wellness, we’ve helped many clients with hypermobility syndrome regain strength, stability, and confidence in their movement. Our integrated approach combines manual therapy with exercise-based rehabilitation to support long-term joint health.
If you recognise yourself in what you’ve read-especially if you’ve always been flexible but now experience pain-it’s worth getting assessed.
Hypermobility syndrome is often overlooked for years. The earlier it’s identified, the easier it is to manage and prevent long-term strain.
Hypermobility syndrome isn’t just “being flexible.”
For many people, it’s the missing explanation behind years of joint pain, fatigue, or recurring injuries.
The good news is that with the right understanding and support, your body can become far more stable than it feels right now.
If this sounds familiar, don’t ignore it or wait for it to get worse.
Get assessed early, understand your movement patterns, and start building stability before pain becomes a long-term pattern.
If you’re unsure where to start, a proper physical assessment can make things much clearer-and often the relief people feel is simply finally having answers.
If you suspect you have hypermobility syndrome or struggle with chronic joint pain, we can guide you through a personalized plan. Book a session with us today and take the first step toward a more stable, pain-free future.