Hypermobility affects about thirty percent of the population and is characterized by excessive joint movement, which can lead to pain, instability, and an increased risk of injury. While some people with hypermobility experience no significant issues, others may struggle with chronic discomfort and musculoskeletal problems. Chiropractic care offers a tailored approach to managing hypermobility by improving joint stability, reducing pain, and enhancing overall function.

Understanding Hypermobility

Hypermobility is characterized by an unusually large range of motion in your joints, exceeding what is normal. It is also known as being “double-jointed.” It happens when your ligaments and connective tissues are more elastic than usual.  

This condition is often seen in individuals with connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), but can also be present in otherwise healthy individuals. Common symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, clicking or popping joints, frequent dislocations or subluxations, fatigue, and muscle tightness due to compensatory mechanisms. Many individuals with hypermobility also experience dizziness or digestive issues, further complicating their condition.

While you may see hypermobility as an advantage in activities requiring flexibility, such as dance or gymnastics, it can also predispose individuals to chronic pain, early-onset arthritis, and repetitive strain injuries. Therefore, it’s important to develop a comprehensive care plan that prioritizes stability and function over excessive flexibility.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic adjustments can benefit individuals with hypermobility when applied with care and precision. Here’s how a chiropractor can assist:

Gentle Adjustments

Traditional chiropractic manipulations may be too aggressive for hypermobile individuals. Chiropractors use gentle, low-force techniques to help without further stressing the joints. 

Stabilization Exercises

Strengthening surrounding muscles is essential to support unstable joints. Chiropractors can recommend targeted exercises to improve muscle tone and joint stability. Strengthening muscles can also signal the body to produce more collagen to support connective tissues. Core and hip strengthening exercises, in particular, can help stabilize the spine and lower extremities, reducing strain on hypermobile joints.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Muscle tension often develops as the body tries to compensate for joint instability. Techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy can help relieve tightness and pain in muscle and connective tissues while also improving flexibility. Additionally, kinesiology taping may provide support to hypermobile joints without restricting mobility excessively.

Proprioceptive Training

Many individuals with hypermobility have impaired proprioception, which is when their body has difficulty sensing joint position. Chiropractic care can include proprioceptive exercises, such as balance training and controlled movement drills, to improve neuromuscular coordination and reduce the risk of injury. Simple exercises like standing on one leg or using a wobble board can help retrain the nervous system to respond appropriately to joint movement.

Postural Guidance

Poor posture problems can make hypermobility pain and discomfort worse. Some posture issues include slouching, rounded shoulders, and hyperextended knees. Chiropractors can educate you on proper posture and body mechanics to reduce strain on joints and help you walk, sit, and stand properly. 

Ergonomic modifications, such as proper workstation setup, sleep positioning strategies, and footwear recommendations, can significantly impact symptom management.

Lifestyle and Nutritional Support

Proper nutrition and hydration support collagen health and overall joint function. Chiropractors may offer dietary recommendations and supplementation guidance to promote tissue strength. Nutrients such as vitamin C, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and collagen peptides may play a role in supporting connective tissue integrity. 

They may also give you exercises and strategies to do at home to help reduce stress on hypermobile joints. 

Considerations for Chiropractic Care with Hypermobility

If you want to receive chiropractic help for hypermobility, make sure you work with a chiropractor who understands the condition and can provide personalized treatments to help you. Aggressive adjustments can exasperate joint instability, so ensure your chiropractor takes a gentle and cautious approach to your treatment and adapts their techniques appropriately. 

Diagnostic imaging or referral to a specialist may be necessary for individuals with significant instability or suspected structural abnormalities. You may also want to include physical therapy, nutrition, and possibly medical specialists to help address the full scope of symptoms. Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and gentle yoga may also complement chiropractic care.

Take Control of Your Joint Health

If you have hypermobility and experience discomfort or instability, chiropractic care may help relieve your pain. By focusing on gentle adjustments, strengthening exercises, and holistic strategies, a chiropractor can help you achieve better joint support and long-term relief.

At Elevate Wellness, we provide personalized care for anyone who walks through our doors. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you feel your best.