Hypermobility: House Of Glass vs House of Iron

Hypermobility is a condition characterized by joints that are excessively flexible, often beyond the normal range of motion. While this may sound like a desirable trait, it can actually have numerous negative effects on an individual's overall health and well-being. Over my 21+ years of bodywork and personal training I have drawn many correlations to and done much research on hypermobility as I suffer from it myself: having ligaments and joints that are too loose, including joint instability, chronic pain, increased susceptibility to injuries and osteoarthritis, as well as heightened anxiety and sensitivity.

Hypermobility - House Of Glass vs House of Iron

One of the key concerns associated with hypermobility is joint instability. People with Hypermobile Syndrome (HMS) people suffer more laxity in their ligaments and tendons leading to subluxations and dislocations of joints. These recurring episodes of joint instability can significantly impair a person's ability to engage in physical activities and can even result in the development of more serious joint conditions, such as arthritis.

Furthermore, chronic pain is a prevalent issue experienced by those with hypermobility due to the fact that hypermobile joints lack stability, causing excessive stress on the surrounding muscles and tissues. The muscles surrounding the joints consistently tight up in an effort to stabilize loose joints. This constant strain can result in chronic pain, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. The constant discomfort can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, hindering their ability to engage in daily activities and potentially leading to a decline in mental health. Us “Hypermobiles”, as I like to call us, also face an increased susceptibility to injuries. The Neurology and Neuroscience Center of Kansas City notes that because hypermobile joints lack the stability provided by normal ligaments, they are more prone to injury, such as sprains, strains, and ligament tears. These injuries can occur even with minor movements or accidents, further adding to the physical challenges faced by individuals with hypermobility.

Hypermobility can also have a profound impact on mental health. The Neurology and Neuroscience Center of Kansas City discusses how anxiety is often present in individuals with hypermobility syndromes, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The subconscious knowledge of the inherent joint instability can create a heightened sense of anxiety. Furthermore, the chronic pain experienced by individuals with hypermobility can contribute to increased levels of stress and anxiety.

Heightened sensitivity is another noteworthy consequence of hypermobility. The same center explains that individuals with hypermobility can be more susceptible to sensory overload, leading to symptoms such as headaches and dizziness. This heightened sensitivity can impact various aspects of daily life, from loud noises and bright lights to certain textures and fabrics. 

So what helps? The best advice I give my hypermobile clients is “Do things to the 90-90% range”. Don’t overstretch that joint, don’t over push that bar over your head. Just because your joints have that mobility doesn’t mean they have that stability within that extreme range of motion!

Bodywork is another great tool to manage hypermobility, but only when done with care. Select a therapist that has knowledge of fascia and looks at the body as a whole, integrated structure and is careful with their techniques, with lots of experience as the wrong bodywork can do more harm than good. See me!