Joint Pain? Instability & Fatigue?

You Might Have Hypermobility

Have you ever felt like your joints are held together with bubble gum and good intentions? Knees or shoulders wobbling like a newborn giraffe? Maybe you've sprained your ankle so many times it's considering early retirement. And those random aches? Yeah, they’re making themselves way too comfortable. If this sounds like you, welcome to the wonderful world of hypermobility. In this post I'll be writing all about it but don't fancy reading? Watch the video instead >>> WATCH HERE

What Is Hypermobility?

Basically, your joints have more range than the average human. While that might sound like a party trick, it can bring some serious baggage if not managed well. Hypermobility affects 10-15% of people, mostly women, especially those with Arab, African, or Chinese heritage. But here's the kicker: many people don't even realize they have it until things start to get messy.

The Cause?

In most cases, you can thank your parents, yep, it’s hereditary. One of the main culprits is a gene linked to collagen, that sticky stuff that helps hold your tissues together. Without enough strong collagen, your joints are basically on a perpetual vacation, too much freedom and not enough control.

How Do You Know If You Have Hypermobility?

Some folks sail through life without a hitch, but if you're in the "lucky" 50% that get hit with symptoms, here’s what you might experience:

• Dislocating joints—especially the shoulder (it’s already shallow, so it’s an easy target).

• Muscle and joint pain (because who doesn’t love random aches?).

• Frequent sprains (ankles and knees, I’m looking at you).

• Extreme fatigue because your body’s in constant overdrive trying to keep things stable.

• Digestive issues (fun times with IBS or constipation).

• Poor posture, growing pains, and balance issues (we’re talking clumsy-level balance).
  

Diagnosing Hypermobility:

We use the Beighton Score, a simple test that measures joint flexibility. But hold on, if you're also dealing with stomach problems and other random issues, you could have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which adds more fun to the mix, including GI issues like constipation or reflux.

So, What Now? How Do You Manage Hypermobility?

No cure, but you can totally manage it with the right approach. It’s all about stability, baby! Let’s break it down:

1. Strengthen the Right Muscles

Your joints need a squad of strong muscles to keep everything in check. Think of it like building scaffolding around a shaky building. The goal? Less wobbly, more sturdy. Exercises like squat thrusts, step-ups, and even something as basic as sitting-to-standing can work wonders for your joint stability.

2. Proprioception (aka your body’s GPS)

Your body’s sense of where it is in space is like a bad GPS with hypermobility. So, retrain it! Balancing on one leg, mini-trampoline jumps, or even walking with your eyes closed (safely, please!) can help you regain control and improve balance.

3. Control Neutral Joint Positions

You might not realize it, but if you’re hypermobile, you’re probably overextending your joints on the regular. Learn to keep things neutral, like avoiding knee lock when standing to prevent pain and future injuries.

4. Re-train Dynamic Control

Once you’ve got your neutral positions sorted, it’s time to move with control. Like, focusing on maintaining a neutral spine while bending or lifting. Everyday movements or sports? You’ll be covered.

5. Don’t Stretch - Release!

Here's the thing: if you're hypermobile, stretching is actually NOT your friend. Shocking, right? Instead, focus on trigger point release. Use a foam roller or massage ball to target areas that are tight and overworked (because they’ve been holding your joints together). For instance, if your upper back is screaming at you, it might be because it’s been working overtime to keep your shoulder blades in check. Release, don’t stretch, and feel the difference!

Let’s Get Those Joints Stable and Strong

If this sounds like you joints out of control, constant pain, or just plain exhausted from trying to stay stable, don’t wait until it gets worse. Reach out for a consultation and let's team up. Together, we’ll build a plan to strengthen your body, reduce pain, and get you back to doing what you love (without the constant fear of injury or fatigue).

Ready to Take Action?

Contact me today, and let's book you in for a FREE 15 minute consultation and we can start the process of stabilizing those joints and getting you back to feeling like the superhero you are (minus the joint dislocations). Book Here