When Hypermobility is more than just Flexible Joints
What is Hypermobility?
When Flexibility becomes an issue…
If you live with hypermobility you’ve probably been praised for being “super flexible” or “double-jointed”. You might have even used this skills as “party tricks” - using your impressive range of motion to get into all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes!
Hypermobility means that your joints move beyond the “normal” range. While this might seem like a party trick when you’re young, when combined with other symptoms such as joint instability, dislocations, chronic pain, and fatigue, it can be a sign of something more complex - such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (ESD) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD).
Bendy Bodies - Real Challenges
EDS and HSD fall under a group of hereditary connective tissue disorders. They affect how collagen is formed in the body — the protein that provides structure and elasticity to skin, ligaments, blood vessels, and organs. When these changes in collage are present, it can cause a variety of issues including joint laxity, gut issues and heart complications.
These conditions are often invisible. Many people live with them for years before receiving a diagnosis — often mislabelled with anxiety, growing pains, fibromyalgia, or being told it’s all in their head.
A great place to start learning more about EDS and HSD is the Ehlers Danlos Society.
Understanding the Differences Between EDS and HSD
It’s important to know that Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) are not the same, even though they share overlapping symptoms.
EDS refers to a group of 13 specific genetic conditions. The most common type is Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) — but there is currently no genetic test for this subtype.
HSD includes people who experience similar symptoms to hEDS but don’t meet all the criteria for an EDS diagnosis.
Both can cause joint hypermobility, pain, fatigue, and functional limitations — and both deserve recognition, treatment, and support.
Below are images from the Ehlers Danlos Society website depicting the overlap between different types of Ehlers Danlos Sydrome, and the spectrum of symptoms that may be experienced the HSD.
Why Diagnosis Matters
There are many barriers to diagnosis for EDS/HSD including practitioner knowledge and awareness of these conditions. Often people are living with a collection of symptoms that are getting treated separately by different specialists, without connecting the dots and recognising that many of these symptoms are manifestations of a connective tissue disorder.
Diagnosis of EDS/HSD if living with hypermobility and other symptoms can help:
Connect to appropriate health professionals that are EDS/HSD knowledgable
Manage pain with a multidisciplinary approach
Support mental health through community and education
Avoid unnecessary medical interventions or years of being misunderstood
If you or someone you know lives in a “bendy body” and experiences unexplained pain, fatigue, or frequent injuries, it’s worth exploring the possibility of EDS or HSD with a knowledgeable health professional.
How Physiotherapy can support with hypermobility, EDS and HSD
Hypermobile/EDS/HSD Aware Physiotherapists can support you with:
Movement strategies to support your bendy joints, building strength and proprioception plus reducing pain and fatigue
Pacing strategies for Fatigue Management
Bracing and taping for feedback and joint support
Management strategies of joint subluxations
Movement for mental health as well as heart, lung and brain health
Education about your symptoms and conditions to help you make sense of your pain and experiences.
Help direct you to other EDS/HSD informed specialists for further care and interventions.
Pain Flare management plans to support you on your bad days
Exercise and movement plans that take into account any other conditions you are managing such as POTS/dysautonomia.
Support & Solutions in Bibra Lake & Online
At AOK Keep Moving in Bibra Lake, Western Australia, we understand the challenges that come with living in a bendy body. Our team provides thoughtful, tailored movement programs for people with hypermobility, EDS, and HSD — supporting strength, stability, and confidence in everyday life.
We are also trauma-informed, neuroaffirming, mental-health-aware practitioners that want to support you keep doing the things you love.
If you're unsure where to start, reach out. We’re here to help you move with more ease, feel empowered in your body, and connect with a community that gets it.
Book in with one of our EDS/HSD Informed Physios and let’s move forward together.