Hypermobility 101
Hypermobility, which is sometimes referred to as being double-jointed, means your body has extreme flexibility in certain areas. (If you’re unsure what hypermobility looks like, check out this video from our Instagram account.)
When it exists with certain symptoms, it can be called a connective tissue disorder or even progress to a syndrome. However, I personally stay away from claiming those labels because how we think about our body greatly impacts us and the actions we take.
What I lean into instead is building curiosity and awareness.
If you struggle with chronic symptoms, developing an awareness of how hypermobility can impact you is helpful to begin making shifts to your life. This way you can optimize your health and advocate for yourself, especially if you have chronic symptoms.
Here are a few considerations if you have hypermobility:
Women with joint hypermobility often have a sensitive nervous system. (This is crucial to understand because starting here sets a strong foundation.)
Because of the role of connective tissue in the body, hypermobility is also linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, anxiety, jaw pain, depression, POTS, mast cell activation, histamine intolerances, sleep apnea, and chronic fatigue.
It can also be a sign of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which affects cartilage, bone, fat and blood due to its impact on collagen.
I am sharing this not to instill fear but awareness, and as a reminder that your God-designed body is interconnected! This means that, when it comes to supporting yourself when you have hypermobility, looking at a bigger picture is essential.
Looking through a lens of curiosity, rather than fear, opens up so many doors and opportunities for shifts to optimize your health. It’s how I’ve reversed many chronic symptoms I was previously told I would have my entire life.
It is hard to be open to possibilities when you are driven by survival and fear. It will fog your lens, if you are not careful. A small picture of hypermobility focuses on the labels and breaks down the body into pieces and diagnoses. A bigger picture, however, looks at your environment, your chronic stress, your nutrition, your spiritual health, your nutrient depletions (especially copper!), your fascial system, and your support system.
As always, this is not medical advice but is intended for educational purposes only. Be sure to check with your doctor or medical provider for ongoing support.