06/16/2025
As a physical therapist and someone who is living with hypermobility, I understand the confusion, frustration, and fear that can come with trying to exercise when the last thing you want is to injure yourself and be in pain. Hypermobility isn’t just about being “flexible”, it often comes with joint pain, instability, frequent injuries, and fatigue. And for many people, the advice they’ve received is to simply stop moving.
But here’s the truth: the right kind of movement is not only safe but essential for those of us with hypermobility, and key to living a life with less pain.
I’ve spent years learning how to manage my own body through trial, error, and education. As a physical therapist, I’ve worked with many clients who share the same experience: joints that feel unreliable, muscles that are always “on” to compensate, and a body that sometimes feels like it’s working against you. My lived experience has helped me become a better clinician because I know firsthand that no two hypermobile bodies respond the same way and that a cookie-cutter plan doesn’t work.
Exercise, when done correctly, can provide the stability our joints lack. Strength training is the foundation. For me and my clients, building a foundation of proper muscle activation, stability, and then strength is key. We’re building a foundation that supports daily life, not just fitness goals.
I also pay close attention to nervous system regulation, energy levels, and symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or GI issues that often accompany hypermobility syndromes. This isn’t just about the joints, it’s about the whole person.
If you live with hypermobility and have been told to avoid exercise or feel like you don’t know where to start, know that you’re not alone. You deserve a plan that’s tailored to your body and goals and that empowers you, not limits you.
Whether you’re managing chronic pain or just trying to feel stronger and more confident in your body, movement is possible. And it can feel good.
Looking for a Physical Therapist?
Check out my physical therapy and strength training services if you are interested. Don’t want to commit to sessions? Schedule a one time virtual assessment here, or just follow along for my free content on Instagram and Youtube.
