Hypermobility: When Flexibility Comes with a Hidden Cost

By Donna Burfield - Joy & Purpose Coaching

Hypermobility is often dismissed as a “party trick,” the person who can bend their fingers back, drop into the splits, or twist into shapes that make everyone else wince. But behind the flexibility, many people live with daily pain, fatigue, instability, and a constant battle to make their bodies feel secure.

Hypermobility isn’t just about being “double-jointed.” It’s a connective tissue difference that can affect joints, digestion, energy, mood, and overall well-being.

For many people, especially adults, finally piecing it all together, hypermobility explains a lifetime of injuries, exhaustion, sensitivity, and symptoms no one ever took seriously.

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How Common Is Hypermobility?

Hypermobility is far more common than people think.

According to NHS England:

• Around 1 in 10 people have some form of joint hypermobility

• Women and people with autism and ADHD are more likely to be hypermobile

• Many go undiagnosed until adulthood

More complex conditions, like hEDS (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), are rarer but under-recognised and often misunderstood.

Hypermobility exists on a spectrum. Some people have mild flexibility; others live with systemic, daily challenges.

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What Is Hypermobility?

Hypermobility is when joints move beyond the typical range due to differences in connective tissue, the “glue” that holds the body together.

When that glue is more elastic or fragile, it can affect:

• joints

• muscles

• ligaments

• skin

• blood vessels

• digestion

• the autonomic nervous system (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature regulation)

This is why hypermobility isn’t just a musculoskeletal condition. It can impact the whole body.

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Types of Hypermobility Conditions

1. Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH)

Increased flexibility in multiple joints. Some people have no symptoms; others experience pain, fatigue, and instability.

2. Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)

Hypermobility with symptoms such as:

• chronic pain

• frequent injuries

• fatigue

• digestive issues

• dizziness

People with HSD experience a significant functional impact even without meeting the full hEDS criteria.

3. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

A genetic connective tissue condition causing:

• extreme hypermobility

• chronic pain

• fragile connective tissue

• frequent dislocations

• joint instability

• systemic symptoms

hEDS is the most common type of EDS, though diagnosis can be complex.

4. Localised or Peripheral Hypermobility

Increased flexibility in just one or a few joints (e.g., fingers, knees).

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Common Symptoms of Hypermobility

Symptoms can vary widely, making diagnosis difficult, especially because many people mask their pain for years.

Joint & Muscular Symptoms

• Pain that worsens with activity

• Frequent sprains or strains

• Joint instability

• Dislocations and subluxations (partial dislocations)

• Muscle spasms or tightness

• Poor balance or coordination

Physical Fatigue

The body works harder to keep unstable joints aligned. This leads to profound exhaustion, especially after normal daily activities.

Digestive Symptoms

• IBS

• reflux

• bloating

• slow digestion

Autonomic Symptoms (Dysautonomia / PoTS)

• dizziness

• rapid heartbeat when standing

• faintness

• temperature intolerance

Skin & Tissue Symptoms

• soft or stretchy skin

• slow wound healing

• easy bruising

• hernias

Emotional & Practical Symptoms

• feeling “clumsy”

• anxiety around movement

• frustration with not being believed

• difficulty keeping up physically

It’s not that hypermobile people are weak; their connective tissue asks for more energy, more caution, and more support.

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Why Many Adults Aren’t Diagnosed Until Later in Life

Hypermobility often goes unnoticed in childhood (“she’s just flexible”), and symptoms are blamed on:

• growing pains

• anxiety

• clumsiness

• overthinking

• poor fitness

• IBS

• fatigue

It’s only in adulthood, especially around menopause, andropause, chronic stress, or after injuries, that the pieces suddenly fit together.

You’re not “making a fuss.” You’re understanding your body’s story.

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What Helps When You Have Hypermobility

1. Targeted Physiotherapy

Strengthening muscles around joints provides stability.

2. Pace Yourself

Avoid over-stretching, high-impact activities, and fatigue crashes.

3. Joint Support

Braces, ktape, orthotics, supportive shoes.

4. Movement That’s Safe for You

• Pilates

• swimming

• gentle strength training

• yoga adapted for hypermobility

5. Pain Management Strategies

Heat, pacing, medication (under guidance), relaxation, somatic work.

6. Address Co-Existing Conditions

PoTS, IBS, anxiety, fatigue, and chronic pain often accompany hypermobility.

7. Emotional Support

Chronic, invisible symptoms can be isolating. Therapy or coaching can help rebuild confidence and connection.

8. Advocate for Yourself

You know your body better than anyone.

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UK Support Organisations

• Ehlers-Danlos Support UK (EDS UK) - information, support, and communities

• Hypermobility Syndromes Association - resources for HSD, hEDS, and GJH

• PoTS UK - support for autonomic issues linked to hypermobility

• NHS Hypermobility Guidance - symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments

• Guts UK - digestive health support

• Pain Concern - chronic pain resources

• Samaritans - emotional support

• Shout 85258 - free mental health text support

Hypermobility can make you feel misunderstood, dismissed, or even frustrated with your own body. But your symptoms are real. Your pain is real. Your fatigue is real.

Living with hypermobility means learning to support your body differently, with strength, compassion, and patience.

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