Have you ever heard of hypermobility? Do you know it impacts more than just our joints?  

 

It is definitely possible you have heard of it before, it is relatively common, impacting 20-25% of the population, but the impact it has on us as women is further reaching than we realize. I am here to tell you why. 

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Hypermobility is currently believe to be a genetic mutation in the genes that create our connective tissue. As the impact of these mutations vary, Hypermobility itself is a spectrum. The most extreme end of the spectrum is a disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or EDS. The most mild end of the spectrum are those who are only impacted in a few joints. 

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But, hypermobility doesn't just impact our joints. In fact, it's reach is global within our body because every part of us contains some sort of connective tissues. It also impacts: 

- Our energy levels

- Our injury risk

- Our gut motility 

- Our cardiovascular system

- Our mental health 

And much more. 

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How is Hypermobility diagnosed? 

One of the first diagnostic tools used for Hypermobility is the Beighton Scale. From there, other assessment tools and past medical history will come into play. Genetic testing is also an option but they are continuing to discover all of the genes connected to Hypermobility. If you experience random symptoms allow with a positive Beighton score such as... 

- Dizziness upon coming to stand

- Increased fatigue in long bouts of upright posture

- Seeking support surfaces throughout your environment (either yourself or objects around you) 

- Difficulties with increased or decreased gut motility 

- Difficulties getting into movement due to higher injury risk 

... it is likely you have Hypermobility. 

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The good news? Hypermobility can be your superpower for a few reasons. 

1. When we learn how to best support a hypermobile body, we actually have access to more physical capabilities. 

2. Living an improved quality of life with hypermobility requires you to tune in and really understanding YOUR body, which is a beautiful blessing. 

3. It decreases your risk of stroke and heart attacks due to less stiffening in your arterial walls as you age. 

4. Other side effects of aging, such as overall stiff joints and limited mobility, won't impact you as much. 

5. Chances are you have silky smooth and velvety skin. 

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My hope in helping you understand if you may have Hypermobility is for you to realize there is nothing wrong with you. Your beautiful body may be extra bendy and stretchy but with the proper understanding of how to take care for it, you can live a beautiful, bold + bendy life.