Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders are connective tissue conditions characterized by joints that exceed normal range of motion. The disorders stem from lax collagen in connective tissues, forcing muscles to work harder to maintain joint stability. This leads to fatigue, pain, clumsiness, and in some cases gastrointestinal symptoms due to stretchy digestive tissue. Research has identified links between hypermobility disorders and neurodiversity including autism and ADHD.
Some individuals with hypermobility also develop hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, diagnosed through observation of hypermobility and faulty connective tissue throughout the body alongside musculoskeletal complications such as dislocations. New research from the University of Edinburgh indicates that hypermobility disorders may affect hundreds of thousands of people in the UK, though many remain undiagnosed. Patients with hEDS and HSD in the UK waited an average of 19 to 21.7 years for diagnosis.
Diagnosis proves complicated by gaps in clinical infrastructure and guidance. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence lacks a dedicated standalone clinical guideline for diagnosis. Researchers note that access to diagnosis functions as a “postcode lottery” depending on geographic location and available assessment resources. The conditions appear to affect women disproportionately, though Dr. Jessica Eccles notes that women’s health research generally lags behind research into conditions affecting men. Less than one-third of diagnosed patients reported their GP had initiated management, and only 13% had access to a knowledgeable clinician.
Symptoms can intensify following stressors such as puberty, menopause, or other environmental factors. Treatment options exist but lack a universal solution. Physiotherapy and gentle exercise like swimming can provide benefit by strengthening muscles that support skeletal stability. However, clinicians emphasize that simply recommending physiotherapy without comprehensive support proves insufficient. Healthcare professionals argue for increased attention and resources dedicated to hypermobility disorders.
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