top of page

LIVING WITH HYPERMOBILITY SYNDROME

A Guide to Managing Symptoms and Building Strength

Hypermobility Syndrome (HMS) is more than just being extra flexible. While general joint hypermobility means your joints can bend further than most, HMS includes other symptoms like pain, fatigue, and instability that can affect everyday life. For many people, it also brings anxiety and challenges in daily routines, work, school, physical activity, and relationships. Whether you have HMS or are supporting someone who does, this guide will help you understand how to manage symptoms, build strength, and feel more in control.

1. What Is Hypermobility Syndrome?

Hypermobility means your joints move more than usual. While that might sound beneficial at first, it can also lead to problems like joint pain, instability, chronic fatigue, digestive issues, and anxiety.

 

When these symptoms interfere with everyday life, it may be diagnosed as Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS).

​

Many people with HMS go undiagnosed for years. That’s because the symptoms can be hard to see, but they still affect how you feel and what you can do daily.

slider_edited.jpg

2. Dealing with Pain and Moving Safely

Pain is one of the most common parts of hypermobility. It can also affect your mood and mental health, making you feel frustrated, sad, or overwhelmed. But avoiding all movement can make it worse. Moving the right way can actually help you feel better.

​​

Check out this guide on how to stay active without making it worse, including:

  • 🌀 Ways to pace yourself

  • 🧘‍♀️ Exercises that are easy on your joints

3. How to Handle Flare-Ups

Sometimes, your symptoms suddenly get worse. These times are called flare-ups, and they can feel really tough. Having a routine to reset and recover can help you feel more in control.

 

Learn how to cope, recover, and reset with tips like:​

  • 🌧️ Spotting early warning signs

  • 🔄 Using your reset routine

  • 🌈 Getting back to feeling better

4. Fatigue: Always Feeling Tired

Being tired with HMS isn’t the same as just needing more sleep. It’s a deep, constant tiredness that doesn’t always go away with rest. It can make daily activities and responsibilities more difficult.

​

Find out how to boost your energy with ideas like:

  • ⚡ Saving energy throughout the day

  • 🛏️ Making sure your rest is really restful

  • 🧃 Eating and drinking in ways that support energy

5. Relationships, Social Life, and Mental Health

Living with hypermobility can make it hard to keep up with others or enjoy social activities. You might have to cancel plans often or feel like no one understands what you’re going through.

​

Check out our advice on social life and relationships to learn how to:

  • 🤝 Talk honestly with others about your needs

  • 💬 Set healthy boundaries

  • 🌟 Take care of your mental health

6. Safe Workouts: Yoga and Strength Training

Moving your body is important, especially because it can help reduce fatigue, improve balance, and make your joints feel more stable. But it’s important to move in ways that don’t cause more pain. Yoga and strength training can be great options when done safely and with guidance.

​

7. When to Ask for Help

You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. There are professionals who understand HMS and want to help you feel better.

 

Start by:

8. You’ve Got This: Final Thoughts

Living with HMS can be tough, but you can handle it. Whether you're exploring new ways to feel better or supporting someone who has HMS, there are real ways to improve your health and confidence.

​

  • 📚 Learn as much as you can

  • 🧍‍♀️ Find people who support you

  • 🌱 Take small steps toward better health every day​

​​

You are not alone. There’s help, and there are real ways to feel better and live fully with hypermobility. Take the first step - talk to someone, try a new strategy, or reach out for support. You’ve got this!

bottom of page