Hypermobile Joints: When Flexibility Becomes a Liability

Being flexible is often seen as a sign of fitness and youth. But for some individuals—especially dancers, gymnasts, and yoga enthusiasts—too much flexibility can become a liability. Hypermobile joints may look impressive, but they come with hidden risks including pain, instability, and injury. In some cases, hypermobility is linked to a connective tissue condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). In this article, we explore the risks of joint hypermobility, how to recognise it, and the best ways to protect your joints for long-term health and performance.

What Are Hypermobile Joints?

Joint hypermobility occurs when joints move beyond the normal range due to increased laxity in the ligaments and connective tissue. Some people are naturally more flexible, while others may develop hypermobility through intensive training.

For many, it’s harmless. But in others, it leads to:

• Frequent joint sprains or dislocations

• Clicking or popping joints

• Persistent joint pain

• Muscle fatigue or poor coordination

• Early joint wear and instability

Hypermobile joints often struggle to stabilise themselves during movement, which can overload the muscles and lead to chronic pain or injury.

Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders, with Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) being the most common. hEDS affects collagen structure, making ligaments, skin, and blood vessels more elastic but less robust.

Common signs of hEDS include:

• Joint hypermobility and dislocations

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain

• Easy bruising and soft, stretchy skin

• Fatigue and autonomic symptoms (e.g. dizziness, temperature sensitivity)

• Gastrointestinal or bladder issues in some individuals

Diagnosis can be complex and is based on clinical criteria, family history, and exclusion of other conditions. At MSK Doctors, we often assess joint hypermobility using the Beighton score, alongside a thorough motion analysis to identify instability patterns.

Sports and Hypermobile Athletes

In elite sport, hypermobility can be both a gift and a risk. Athletes in disciplines like:

• Dance

• Gymnastics

• Figure skating

• Swimming

• Martial arts
  often benefit from the enhanced range of motion.

But without proper control, hypermobile joints can lead to:

• Ligament tears (e.g. ACL, MPFL)

• Joint subluxations

• Early cartilage wear and labral damage

• Recurrent soft tissue injuries

MAI-Motion™ analysis is an ideal tool for hypermobile athletes, as it can identify unstable movement patterns, delayed neuromuscular control, and asymmetries that might not show up on standard exams.

Joint Preservation Strategies for Hypermobile Individuals

The goal of treatment is not to restrict movement—but to improve joint control, proprioception, and resilience. At MSK Doctors and Regen PhD, we offer tailored joint preservation pathways, including:

🧠 1. Movement Retraining

• Core and glute activation

• Closed-chain exercises for joint control

• Neuromuscular re-education using MAI-Motion™ insights

💪 2. Stabilisation and Strengthening

• Isometric strength training (e.g. holds, bridges, wall sits)

• Low-load resistance work with perfect technique

• Avoidance of extreme end-range stretching

💉 3. Regenerative Support

• PRP injections for joint capsule and ligament support

• Prolotherapy in cases of recurrent ligament laxity

• onMRI™ tracking for early detection of joint or cartilage degradation

🍽️ 4. Lifestyle & Nutritional Support

• Collagen-boosting nutrition (vitamin C, protein, zinc)

• Sleep optimisation to aid tissue repair

• Support for fatigue and systemic symptoms (especially in EDS)

All care is personalised, based on age, sport, symptoms, and diagnostic findings. We work closely with patients to create a sustainable plan for movement and longevity.

Additional Patient Information

Hypermobile joints are often misunderstood or underdiagnosed. Many patients are told their symptoms are “normal” or that they simply need to stretch less. But with the right support, hypermobile individuals can stay active, strong, and pain-free—without compromising performance.

At MSK Doctors, we offer advanced diagnostic tools, regenerative treatment options, and multi-disciplinary care for hypermobility, EDS, and joint preservation. Our Regen PhD programme complements medical support with wellness services, IV nutrition, and recovery therapies tailored to your physiology.

FAQs

Is hypermobility always a problem?
Not necessarily. Many people with mild hypermobility have no symptoms. It becomes a concern when it causes pain, instability, fatigue, or recurring injuries.

What’s the difference between flexibility and hypermobility?
Flexibility refers to how far a muscle can stretch. Hypermobility refers to how far a joint moves—often beyond the safe range due to ligament laxity.

Can I still do sports if I’m hypermobile?
Yes—with proper conditioning and joint control strategies. Working with specialists who understand hypermobility is key to safe participation.

Is there a cure for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed effectively through joint stabilisation, pain management, lifestyle changes, and supportive therapies.

How is MAI-Motion™ useful for hypermobile patients?
MAI-Motion™ identifies abnormal movement patterns and joint instability not visible on scans. It helps build safer, more effective training and rehab plans.