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Hypermobility Syndrome:
A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your Teen or Young Adult

Introduction: Understanding Your Child’s Struggles

Hypermobility syndrome is more than just being extra flexible—it can lead to chronic pain, fatigue, joint instability, and mental health struggles. If your late-teen or young adult child has hypermobility, you’ve likely seen them battle daily discomfort, exhaustion, and difficulties with social inclusion. As a parent, it can be frustrating to watch them struggle, especially when many doctors don’t fully understand hypermobility’s impact beyond the joints.

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This guide is designed to help you understand their condition, advocate for proper care, and support their physical and emotional well-being.

What is Hypermobility Syndrome?

Hypermobility syndrome refers to a connective tissue disorder where joints move beyond a normal range. Some individuals have mild symptoms, while others experience:

  • Chronic joint pain and instability

  • Frequent injuries (sprains, dislocations, or subluxations)

  • Muscle weakness or poor coordination

  • Widespread fatigue and low energy levels

  • Gastrointestinal issues (such as IBS-like symptoms)

  • Dizziness, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating

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In some cases, hypermobility is linked to conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). These are lifelong conditions, but proper management can improve quality of life.

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Chronic Pain & Fatigue: Why Is Your Child Always Tired?

Many parents ask, “Why is my child always exhausted?” Hypermobility causes joint instability, which forces the body to work harder to maintain posture and movement. This extra effort drains energy quickly, leading to chronic fatigue.

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How to Help:

✅ Encourage low-impact strength training (like Pilates or resistance exercises) to build joint stability.

✅ Support regular physiotherapy sessions for guided rehabilitation.

✅ Help them create a balanced schedule to avoid overexertion and burnout.

✅ Educate teachers or employers on their condition to ensure reasonable accommodations.

The Social Struggles of Hypermobility

Young adults with hypermobility often feel left out because they can’t always keep up with their peers. They may:

  • Avoid social events due to pain or exhaustion

  • Struggle to find comfortable clothing or shoes

  • Feel isolated because people don’t understand their condition

 

How to Help:

✅ Encourage social activities that don’t over-exert them (like movie nights, creative hobbies, or adaptive sports).

✅ Help them find stylish yet supportive shoes to improve comfort.

✅ Advocate for accessible seating and rest options in social settings.

The Link Between Hypermobility, Anxiety & Depression

Many hypermobile young adults struggle with mental health due to:

  • Feeling dismissed by doctors, teachers, or peers

  • Anxiety about unpredictable pain flares

  • Depression from feeling like they “can’t keep up”

Research shows that people with hypermobility have a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders due to differences in their nervous system regulation. Chronic pain can also lead to low mood and frustration over time.

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How to Help:

✅ Encourage therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help manage anxiety and pain-related stress).

✅ Support them in joining online or in-person support groups.

✅ Help them establish a self-care routine that includes relaxation, mindfulness, and gentle movement. ✅ Reassure them that it’s okay to set boundaries and rest when needed.

How to Advocate for Medical Support

Many parents struggle to find doctors who take hypermobility seriously. If your child is dismissed by a healthcare provider, consider:

✅ Seeking a specialist – Rheumatologists, physiotherapists, or pain management doctors with experience in hypermobility can offer better support.

✅ Keeping a symptom journal – This can help identify patterns and aid diagnosis.

✅ Asking about co-existing conditions – Many hypermobile individuals also have POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), or gastrointestinal issues.

Helping Your Child Build Independence While Managing Their Condition

As a parent, your goal is to empower your child to manage their condition effectively so they can live a fulfilling life. This includes:

  • Teaching them self-advocacy when speaking with doctors or professors

  • Helping them develop a manageable daily routine

  • Providing tools for pain management (like heat packs, braces, or ergonomic furniture)

  • Supporting their career or education choices based on their physical capabilities

Conclusion: Your Support Makes a Difference

Watching your child struggle with hypermobility can be heartbreaking, but with the right support system, they can thrive. By understanding their challenges, advocating for their health, and encouraging them to find balance, you play a key role in their journey to independence and well-being.

​Related Topics:

  • How to Tell If You Have Hypermobility

  • The Difference Between Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

  • Common Misconceptions About Hypermobility

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