Hypermobility is quite common. At least 20 percent of people have it in some form. It’s important to recognise its existence in patients as it affects diagnosis and treatment. Many patients are unaware that they may have it. Hypermobility can exist generally, in a localised site or peripherally (hands and feet). The concept of hypermobility is not new. ‘Double jointed’ was a term used to described individuals who could bend joints beyond normal range. We now know a lot more about hypermobility, hypermobile syndromes and associated co morbidities.

Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are connective tissue disorders that cause joint hypermobility, instability, injury, and pain. Fatigue, anxiety, headaches, GI problems, joint instability and autonomic dysfunction are often seen as part of HSD. Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is also associated with HSD. The likelihood of any associated symptoms exist separately as a statistical predominance rather than a direct correlation.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are a group of at least 13 different hereditary connective tissue disorders. Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is by far the most common. It’s not currently known whether hEDS and HSD are the same thing or how closely related they might be.

In practice the presence of hypermobility alerts the practitioner to the possibility of related issues and the likelihood of how a patient may respond to certain techniques or treatment styles. Every patient is an individual and is treated as such. Experience and clinical judgment can be crucial when the patient has an underlying genetic tissue type which may be relatively rare.

The EDS society website is great source of information for patients or anyone interested in learning more.

Please contact the clinic or book an appointment if you are interested in the musculoskeletal management of hypermobile disorders.