Hypermobility Explained: Why Feeling “Tight” Might Mean You’re Actually Too Flexible

As an Osteo at The Recovery Project in Cromwell, we often hear patients say they feel "tight," even though they stretch constantly. Here’s the kicker: many of these folks are actually hypermobile, meaning their joints are moving way beyond the usual limits. I know, it sounds wild, right? How can you feel tight when you’re super flexible? Well, let’s break it down and talk about the whole spectrum of hypermobility—from loose joints to conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).

So, What Exactly is Hypermobility?

Hypermobility is when your joints have an extra range of motion. Think of it as being able to move like Gumby—your joints can stretch and bend way more than they should. Now, this might sound like a dream if you're into yoga or dance, but it’s not always a blessing. Having hypermobile joints can lead to instability, pain, and even injuries if you’re not careful. That’s why at The Recovery Project in Cromwell, we focus on helping you understand what’s really going on with your body and how to manage it effectively.

Joint Hypermobility vs. Ligament and Tendon Changes

Let’s get a little technical for a second (hang in there with me). There’s a difference between what’s happening in your joints and what’s going on with your ligaments and tendons:

1. Joint Hypermobility: This is all about how much a joint can bend and move. If you’ve got hypermobile joints, they’re moving more than normal, usually because of how the bones are shaped or how the joint itself is built.

2. Ligament and Tendon Changes: Now, ligaments and tendons are like the body’s rubber bands—they help hold things together and keep your joints stable. In hypermobile people, these rubber bands are a bit too stretchy. When ligaments (those things that connect bone to bone) and tendons (the ones connecting muscle to bone) are too loose, your joints can wobble around too much. And that’s not great for stability.

The Hypermobility Spectrum: From Bendy Joints to EDS

Hypermobility isn’t just one thing—it’s more like a range. Some people have mild flexibility, while others are at the extreme end, like with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Let’s break it down:

1. Benign Joint hypermobility Syndrome (BJHS): This is the “nothing to worry about too much” type of hypermobility. Sure, you might have some joint pain or feel like things are a little wobbly, but you’re not dealing with any other major body issues.

2. Generalized Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD): Think of this as a step up from BJHS. It’s more widespread, and it comes with a side of joint pain and instability in multiple areas of your body. It can be a bit trickier to manage, but nothing we can’t handle together!

3. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS): This is where things get a bit more serious. EDS is a group of genetic disorders that affect the connective tissue in your whole body. It’s not just about bendy joints; it can mess with your skin, blood vessels, and even organs. It’s a bigger deal and needs more specialised care. hEDS Unlike other forms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, hEDS does not typically present with severe skin fragility or significant vascular issues, but it does involve a range of musculoskeletal problems due to overly flexible joints and lax connective tissues. People with hEDS often experience widespread pain, fatigue, and may have additional symptoms like gastrointestinal issues, autonomic dysfunction, or proprioceptive challenges.Why Do Hypermobile Folks Feel “Tight”?

Alright, here’s the part that messes with everyone’s head. You’d think if you’re hypermobile, you’d feel all loose and relaxed, right? Wrong! Here’s why that “tight” feeling happens:

1. Muscle Overcompensation: Your muscles are trying to do a job they’re not built for—holding your hypermobile joints together. It’s like trying to use a bungee cord to hold up a bookshelf. Eventually, those muscles get tired and tight from all that extra work.

2. Protective Muscle Tension: Your body’s smart—it knows your joints are wobbly, so it tells your muscles to tighten up and protect those joints from flopping around too much. It’s like your body’s own safety net, but it makes you feel tight.

3. Altered Proprioception: Fancy word alert—proprioception is just your body’s sense of where it is in space. If you’re hypermobile, your body’s like, “Wait, where are we?” So, your muscles tighten up to keep things steady and stop you from overextending.

How We Manage Hypermobility at The Recovery Project in Cromwell

If you’re dealing with hypermobility (or think you might be), don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Here’s how we tackle it:

• Strength Training: Instead of just stretching all the time, we focus on building muscle strength around those hypermobile joints. This helps keep things stable and gives you more control.

• Stability Exercises: Exercises that improve balance and help you get a better sense of where your body is in space are super helpful. Think Pilates, yoga, or some specific exercises we can show you.

• Skip the Overstretching: If you’re already super flexible, the last thing you need is more stretching. We focus on controlled, stable movements instead.

• Personalised Care: Everyone’s different, especially when it comes to hypermobility. That’s why we create a personalized plan just for you at The Recovery Project to make sure you’re getting exactly what your body needs.

The Bottom Line

Hypermobility can be a bit confusing—how can you feel tight when you’re actually too flexible? It’s all about understanding how your joints and connective tissues work together. Whether you’re just a little more flexible than most or dealing with something more serious like EDS, we’re here to help you figure it out and feel better. If you think you might be hypermobile or just want to get a better handle on your symptoms, come see us at The Recovery Project Osteo Clinic in Cromwell. We’re here to help you live your best, most comfortable life!