You've Been Diagnosed with a Hypermobility Condition - Now What?
A hypermobility diagnosis can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even dismissed - by others or by yourself. Maybe it was framed as "just being flexible" or "nothing to worry about." But if you’ve been living with chronic pain, frequent minor injuries, or a feeling that your body isn’t quite holding itself together, this diagnosis might actually be a long-awaited validation.
Unfortunately, what often doesn’t follow that diagnosis is a clear plan for next steps.
At Forward Focus PT, we hear this story all the time. Patients are told they’re hypermobile but not what that means for their daily function, pain management, or long-term health. They aren’t referred to specialists. Physical therapy is rarely discussed unless there’s a major injury. And the bigger picture of how to live well with hypermobility is often left unspoken.
So let’s change that.
Why Early, Proactive Physical Therapy Matters for Hypermobility
Physical therapy is often seen as reactive: something you do after an injury. But for people with hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), starting physical therapy before major injuries happen and learn how to care for your body can lead to better health outcomes.
Hypermobility affects connective tissue throughout the entire body. That means joints, muscles, skin, digestion, blood vessels, and more. And while many people with hypermobility grow up hearing that their pain is “normal” or “psychosomatic,” they often don’t get told that chronic joint pain, instability, and fatigue are real and manageable with the right support.
Think of a hypermobile body the same way you’d think of a high-performance athlete’s body: it requires ongoing support, guidance, and proactive care. You wouldn’t expect a professional ballerina or football player to go without strength training, recovery strategies, or injury risk reduction. People with hEDS and HSD deserve that same level of attention to keep their bodies moving safely and confidently.
What Happens Without Proactive Support?
Without proactive support, often times people with hypermobility:
Feel lost in the healthcare system, unsure where to turn for help
Normalize chronic pain and fatigue
Give up doing the things they love and are less likely to stay active
Miss early signs of joint instability and tissue strain
Struggle adjusting during life transitions (like illness, pregnancy, or starting a new fitness routine)
Often, even their doctors don’t connect the dots. Hypermobility is still poorly understood in many medical settings, and some providers may not see PT as necessary unless there's a major injury.
What Can You Do Now?
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with HSD or hEDS, or even if you’re just realizing your chronic joint pain might be related to your flexibility, here’s what we recommend:
1. Book a Hypermobility PT Consultation
Even if you’re not currently in a flare or recovering from injury, getting a baseline assessment can make all the difference. You’ll learn about:
Joint protection strategies
Proprioception (your body’s sense of position)
Safe strength training
Fatigue and pain management
Avoiding common compensation patterns
2. Understand Your Body’s Unique Needs
Hypermobility is highly individual, but some common issues include:
Poor joint stability
Deconditioning and muscle weakness
Autonomic Nervous system dysregulation (like POTS)
A physical therapist familiar with hEDS/HSD can help you work with your body, not against it.
3. Don’t Wait for a Major Injury
Small, frequent injuries - what some might dismiss as 'just tweaks' - can actually be signs that your body needs more support. Proactive physical therapy helps you stay on track, teaching you how to manage injuries before they derail your work, hobbies, or independence.
4. Get Educated (and Be Cautious Online)
Social media can be great for finding community, but it's full of misinformation too. We often see newly diagnosed people being told that formal diagnosis or treatment isn’t necessary, that they just need a brace or foam roller. In reality, hypermobility affects every system in the body, and improper management can have long-term consequences.
We’re Here to Help
At Forward Focus PT, we offer evaluations, treatment, and education for patients with hEDS, HSD, and related conditions. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for years, our approach is holistic, evidence-based, and compassionate. We believe in empowering you to move with confidence, not fear.
If you’re not ready for ongoing physical therapy, we also offer one-time consultations to help you understand your condition and take the first step forward.
