What is hypermobility, anyway?!
Understanding the difference between hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD), and Hypermobile Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)
Simply put, hypermobility means your joints move beyond the usual range. Some people are naturally "bendier" and everything works fine—but for others, it’s more than unique flexibility; it's a constellation of symptoms that go beyond bendiness.
In 2017, experts reclassified these conditions to clarify confusion:
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a formally defined subtype of EDS. Diagnosis requires:
Generalized joint hypermobility (usually assessed using the Beighton score)
Additional clinical features—like soft or velvety skin, recurrent joint dislocations, or specific musculoskeletal signs
Excluding other types of EDS or connective tissue disorders
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) is the broader category. It applies when someone has symptomatic hypermobility but doesn’t meet all the strict criteria for hEDS. It includes subtypes like generalized, localized, peripheral, or historical HSD.
Are you hypermobile? What Hypermobility Looks and Feels Like Day to Day
Unexpected dislocations or subluxations, especially when doing simple tasks
Chronic fatigue and widespread pain—sometimes muscles feel like they have to work overtime to stabilize joints
Digestive discomfort, dizziness, or autonomic symptoms—common companions to hypermobility
Poor proprioception, making coordination and balance feel unreliable
Everyday movements that “should” be easy—like reaching for a plate or stepping over a threshold—can be precarious or painful
My Perspective
Living with hEDS (and related diagnoses) has taught me that the label matters less than feeling seen and supported. Whether your path lands you with hEDS or HSD, what truly matters is how we move, rest, and nurture ourselves in bodies that often come with a few extra layers of complexity. However, it is sometimes helpful to get a diagnosis because it can unlock treatment options and supports your providers in giving you the most aligned care possible (appropriate anesthesia, adequate pain management, etc).
Whether you are navigating hEDS, HSD, POTS, MCAS, or just hypermobile joints that occasionally flare, the essence of resilience lies in how we adapt: with rest, pacing, movement that feels good, and compassion for this unique journey. That’s where I can help. Remember - you’re not doing this alone.
Sources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33856167/
https://www.hypermobility.org/hsd-jhs-heds?utm_