Hypermobility means that one or more joints move beyond the range expected for most people. Some people with hypermobile joints have no symptoms, while others experience persistent pain, fatigue, repeated injuries, feelings of instability, poor balance, or difficulty trusting their body during movement. Hypermobility may occur on its own or as part of a condition such as Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
This evidence-based group medical visit explores current research on the relationship between hypermobility and persistent pain. You will learn how joint stability, muscle function, proprioception, and nervous system sensitivity can interact to influence pain and function. The session also explains why hypermobile people may feel stiff or tight despite having flexible joints, and why repeatedly stretching these areas may not always address the underlying need for muscular support and movement control.
Research supports an active rehabilitation approach focused on gradually improving body awareness, motor control, strength, and confidence with movement. During this session, you will learn and practice strategies that can help your joints feel more supported without becoming fearful or overly protective of movement.
Topics include:
Understanding hypermobility and why it does not always cause pain
How joint stability, proprioception, and nervous system sensitivity may contribute to persistent symptoms
Recognizing everyday positions in which you may be relying on the ends of your joint range
Finding more supported joint positions without aiming for rigid or “perfect” posture
Building movement control before gradually increasing endurance and strength
Using pacing to reduce the boom-and-bust cycle
Responding to pain flares without pushing through or stopping movement completely
Gradually returning to meaningful activities with greater confidence
The session includes guided, gentle movement to help you explore joint position, balance, muscle activation, and controlled movement. These activities are not intended to be a strenuous workout and can be adapted to your comfort level and abilities.
This session does not diagnose hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or other connective tissue conditions. Instead, it provides evidence-informed education and rehabilitation strategies that may be helpful for people experiencing persistent pain associated with hypermobility, joint instability, or reduced confidence with movement.
The goal is not to “fix” flexible joints or avoid movement. It is to help you better understand your symptoms and begin building the stability, control, and confidence needed to participate more comfortably in everyday activities.
This session is led by Hayley Alexander (physiotherapist) & Dr. Noah Alexander.
Current patients can book here.