When multiple joints across the body are hypermobile it creates unique and complex challenges.
Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH) increases the risk of chronic pain, recurring injuries, and joint instability. GJH is the technical term for people who are considered to have hypermobile connective tissue throughout their body, and it is a feature of many connective tissue disorders including Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), Marfan Syndrome, Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, and more. Symptoms stemming from GJH ranging from joint pain to dislocations can affect your daily life in unexpected ways, but understanding why this happens—and knowing how to manage it—can make a big difference in your quality of life.
Take the Quiz (If You Haven’t Already!)
Curious about whether your joints might be hypermobile? Take the Hypermobile or Just a Bit Bendy Quiz! It’s a quick and easy way to gain more insight into how your hypermobility could be affecting your body—and your results might surprise you.
How Is Generalised Joint Hypermobility Identified?
The Beighton Scale is the most commonly used assessment to determine if someone has Generalised Joint Hypermobility. While it’s best to have the Beighton Scale performed by a qualified healthcare professional who specializes in hypermobility, I recommend familiarising yourself with it so you’re prepared to discuss your healthcare provider’s findings during your consultation.
The Beighton Scale assigns 1 point for each of the following movements (up to 9 points in total):
- Bending your thumb toward the front of your forearm (left and right)
- Hyperextension of the elbows (left and right)
- Hyperextension of the knees (left and right)
- Hyperextension of the pinky fingers (left and right)
- Touching the floor with your palms flat while keeping your knees extended
Important Note: While the Beighton Scale is widely used, it has limitations. For example, 6 of the 9 points focus on joints in the arms, which may overlook hypermobility in other areas. If you don’t “pass” the Beighton Scale but still believe you might be hypermobile, ask your healthcare provider to read The Beighton Scale as a Measure of Joint Hypermobility (Malek, 2021) and consider using the Del Mar Criteria instead.
And for an in-depth discussion of the Beighton Scale, check out Episode 3 of my Help! I’m Hypermobile podcast, where I dive into the fascinating (and flawed) history behind its use in hypermobility assessment!
Why Does Generalised Joint Hypermobility Happen?
People with GJH—especially those diagnosed with conditions like Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)—have hypermobile connective tissue throughout their body. In addition to being stretchier than typical connective tissue, hypermobile connective tissue is also more prone to injury and slower at healing. This makes the joints of people with GJH more prone to instability and injury and a slower recovery. That’s why it’s essential to seek specialised, hypermobility-focused care to manage these issues effectively.
As a Hypermobility Specialist Osteopath (with Generalised Joint Hypermobility myself thanks to my Beighton Scale score of 7/9👋), I understand the frustrations and challenges that come with living in a hypermobile body. My approach focuses on assessing and treating the connective tissues most often impacted by hypermobility, including addressing peripheral nerve irritation that may arise from abnormal joint movement.
Understanding Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH) and Its Impact
Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH) is a key feature of conditions like hEDS, HSD, and other connective tissue disorders, affecting joints throughout the body. But it’s not just the joints that are affected—hypermobility can also impact other systems in the body. A common co-occurring condition seen in people with GJH is Orthostatic Intolerance, which can manifest as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) or Orthostatic Hypotension (OH).
These conditions can lead to symptoms like feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or unwell when changing positions—such as moving from lying down to standing up. If you experience these symptoms, it’s really important to discuss them with your medical doctor to make sure that they are correctly diagnosed and safely managed.
A Simple Tip for Managing Symptoms
Many people with GJH find mild compression garments helpful for managing a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, swollen ankles, and lightheadedness. Although there are medical-grade compression garments available, there are many ways that you can try mild compression garments without speaking to your doctor.
Although compression socks are the most commonly discussed kind of compression garment out there, I find that most of my patients (and myself!) prefer compression leggings. Here are a few reasons why leggings are often preferred:
- They provide gentle pelvic compression (which helps to reduce any blood-pooling in the pelvis)
- They dig in less (unlike socks, which due to their knee-high length often dig in at the back of the leg)
- They’re easier to build an outfit around without looking like someone who should be yodelling in the Alps (but if that’s your style then you do you!)
My favourite compression leggings as of 2024 are the LNDR Chisel Leggings. Although they are expensive, in my professional opinion the quality is worth it. I wear a S/M and they are tight (but in a good, compressive, “keeping-me-from-feeling-lightheaded” kind of way)!
That being said, some of my patients do prefer socks. For days when I want to wear socks (which often happen when I’m at clinic wearing wide-leg trousers) I go with Sockwell Socks. They’re expensive, but after years of trying cheaper alternatives I’m convinced they’re worth it due to how sensory-friendly they are (and how long they last!).
You Don’t Have to Manage This Alone
Living with hypermobile connective tissue throughout your body can be challenging, but with the right support, many symptoms and injuries are manageable. My approach centres around individualised care that not only helps reduce pain and improve mobility but also empowers you to take control of your health. I’m committed to providing the tools and knowledge you need to feel more confident in your body and its capabilities.
If you’d like to discuss your symptoms and explore personalized treatment options, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Speak with Me
Whether you’re dealing with hypermobility throughout your body or facing other chronic issues, I’m here to help. You can book a consultation with me in person at my London office or online to discuss your symptoms, get personalized advice, and start your journey toward feeling better and more in control of your body. Click HERE to get in touch, or email me directly at alex@hypermobilityhq.com. I look forward to speaking with you!
Accessibility Information
Both of my clinic offices at The Light Centre Marylebone and The Light Centre Monument are fully accessible, with elevator access and gender-neutral bathrooms. If you have specific accessibility needs, please reach out before booking an appointment to discuss how I can accommodate you.
About Alex
Alex is a highly sought-after Hypermobility Specialist Osteopath based in London, known for her extensive experience in treating chronic pain and injuries related to hypermobile connective tissue in both athletes and everyday individuals. She holds two four-year university degrees, including a Master’s in Osteopathy, and has completed numerous postgraduate certifications, such as Active Release Techniques®.
Alex began her career working with elite athletes, including two-time CrossFit Games Champion Annie Thorisdottir, before focusing on hypermobility-related injuries. She provides holistic, scientifically informed care for patients with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), and other connective tissue disorders. While hypermobility is her specialty, she also treats patients with complex, chronic, and treatment-resistant injuries who are not hypermobile.
Learn more at hypermobilityhq.com/about.
