What is Hypermobility & How Can Massage Help?
Have you always been unusually flexible? Perhaps you can bend your fingers back farther than most people, straighten your elbows beyond a typical range, or find yourself frequently dealing with muscle tension, aches and pains. For some people, this flexibility is simply a natural trait. For others, it may be a sign of joint hypermobility.
What is hypermobility?
Joint hypermobility means that one or more joints can move through a greater range of motion than is typical. It is sometimes described as being “double-jointed,” although this does not mean that a person has extra joints.
Hypermobility is common and does not necessarily cause problems. However, when it is associated with ongoing pain, joint instability, fatigue or recurrent injuries, it may be part of a condition known as hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) or, in some cases, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). These are distinct diagnoses that require appropriate clinical assessment.
Why can hypermobile people experience muscle tension?
Joints rely on ligaments, connective tissues and surrounding muscles to help provide stability. When a joint moves beyond its usual range, the surrounding muscles may need to work harder to help control movement and maintain stability. Over time, some people experience persistent muscle tightness, discomfort, fatigue or a feeling of being physically “tense,” even though their joints are highly flexible.
This is one reason why simply stretching tight muscles may not always be the most helpful approach. For some hypermobile people, building strength and improving joint control are more important than increasing flexibility.
How can massage therapy help?
For people experiencing muscular discomfort associated with hypermobility, massage therapy may be a helpful part of a broader care plan.
Depending on the individual's needs, massage may help to:
Ease muscle tension and discomfort by promoting relaxation and providing short-term relief from muscular soreness.
Support relaxation and stress management, which can be valuable when living with persistent pain.
Improve comfort during daily activities by addressing areas of muscular tightness that contribute to discomfort.
Complement other therapies, such as physiotherapy and appropriate strengthening exercises, that help improve joint stability and movement control.
Every person with hypermobility is different, so treatment should be adapted to their symptoms, comfort and individual tolerance.
A gentler, more supportive approach
When working with hypermobile clients, the goal is not to increase flexibility further. Instead, massage should focus on comfort and muscular support, using pressure and techniques suited to the individual.
Gentle approaches may be preferable to aggressive deep-tissue work or forceful stretching, particularly for people who experience easy bruising, sensitive tissues or pain that flares after treatment. Communication with your massage therapist is essential, and treatment should be adjusted if discomfort increases.
Massage therapy can help manage symptoms, but it does not correct joint laxity or replace the role of strengthening and rehabilitation.
Being flexible is not necessarily a problem. But if flexibility comes with persistent pain, frequent sprains, joints that feel unstable or recurring muscle tension, it may be worth discussing hypermobility with a healthcare professional.
With the right combination of individualized care, appropriate movement, strengthening and symptom management, many people can improve their comfort and confidence in everyday life.