08/04/2025
Flexibility is often praised as a sign of health and athleticism, but when is it too much of a good thing? As a physical therapist who works with hypermobile clients, I see a common pattern: people assuming their joint “looseness” is just exceptional flexibility. In reality, hypermobility is more than just being able to touch your toes or do a deep backbend.
Hypermobility refers to joints that move beyond the typical range due to laxity in connective tissues (joints and ligaments). This can be genetic (as seen in Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes) or acquired. Unlike flexibility, hypermobility often comes with symptoms: joint pain, frequent sprains or dislocations, fatigue, and even digestive or nervous system issues. Flexibility is the ability of the muscles and soft tissue to stretch and lengthen.
If you can “pop” joints into unusual positions, have a history of frequent injuries, or experience body-wide symptoms with no clear cause, hypermobility might be at play. A thorough assessment by a PT familiar with the Beighton score and other tools can provide clarity.
Knowing the difference between flexibility and hypermobility matters because it changes the approach to care. While stretching may help a stiff person, it can worsen symptoms in a hypermobile person. Instead, we focus on nervous system regulation, joint stability, strength, and smart movement strategies. Sometimes it is the case that, surrounding painful and hypermobile joints, you can feel a lack of flexibility in those tissues.
Hypermobile individuals benefit from education on joint protection, proprioception training, and building strength around the joints to create stability. A physical therapist can design a personalized program that avoids overstretching and instead targets the root causes of pain and dysfunction. Learning about your body’s unique mechanics empowers you to move better, feel better, and prevent long-term issues. Don’t let a flexible body mislead you; knowledge and strategy are key to thriving with hypermobility.
This is also important for children and teens who may be praised for their flexibility in dance or gymnastics without understanding the long-term joint stress they may face. Educating young people early can change their trajectory. Likewise, older adults may need a different plan as age and gravity challenge hypermobile joints further. Regardless of age, early intervention and a proactive approach can dramatically improve quality of life.
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