There Are Many Reasons Why Someone Can Have Chronic Treatment-Resistant Muscle and Joint Pain WITHOUT Being Hypermobile
While Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) are MUCH more common than many people realise—affecting at least 1 in 500 people (Demmler et al., 2019)—hypermobility isn’t the only reason someone can experience persistent muscle and joint pain.
If your pain seems unexplained or untreatable, and you don’t think hypermobility is the cause, there are still many possible reasons why your symptoms haven’t improved. Here are five of the most common:
FIVE REASONS WHY INJURIES DON’T IMPROVE WITH TREATMENT
- Not All Soft-Tissue Injury Treatment is Created Equal
The quality of physiotherapists, osteopaths, or chiropractors can vary greatly, especially when it comes to handling complex cases. Many manual therapy treatments are too generalized, applying a one-size-fits-all approach that overlooks your unique needs. For chronic injuries, it’s vital to find a practitioner who truly understands your condition and customizes their treatments for you. Whenever I have an injury (which luckily doesn’t happen too often!) the first certification I look for in a healthcare provider when seeking treatment is Active Release Techniques® (ART®), considered by many (myself included)! to be the gold standard in soft-tissue injury treatment. If you’re looking for an ART-certified provider, make sure their certification is current—unfortunately, some falsely claim to hold it. You can check their credentials using the Find a Provider feature HERE for Europe or HERE for the rest of the world.
2. Your Healthcare Provider Might Not Be Up-To-Date
Healthcare is constantly evolving, with new research and treatment techniques emerging all the time. Unfortunately, many therapists and healthcare practitioners fail to stay current. Without continuous education and training, even well-meaning professionals can become outdated in their methods, leading to ineffective treatments. For complex, chronic injuries, it’s especially important to work with a practitioner who is committed to lifelong learning and applies the latest evidence-based approaches to your care. This ongoing learning ensures that you’re receiving the best, most effective treatment available.
3. Profit Over Patients
In some cases, healthcare providers or clinics can prioritize profit over patient care. This may mean rushing appointments, recommending unnecessary treatments, or failing to provide the depth of care needed for complex injuries. While it’s essential for healthcare businesses to stay profitable, your long-term wellness should always come first. It’s important to find a practitioner who prioritizes your health, listens to your concerns, and takes the time needed to address your unique challenges—rather than treating you as just another appointment on the schedule.
4. Undiagnosed or Poorly Managed Health Conditions Affecting Joint Health
Chronic joint pain can sometimes be the result of an undiagnosed or poorly managed health condition. For example, conditions like thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, metabolic issues, or even hormonal changes like perimenopause can all affect your joint health and ability to recover from injury. If these underlying problems aren’t addressed, even the best manual therapy or exercise plan won’t provide long-term relief. That’s why a thorough assessment and consideration of all possible factors impacting your health are crucial. Identifying and managing these conditions can significantly improve your treatment outcomes.
5. Could There Be An Unidentified Structural Issue At Play?
Some individuals have unique anatomical features—either present from birth (congenital) or acquired through injury—that affect how their muscles and joints function. These abnormalities can make certain movements or activities more challenging and increase the risk of chronic pain or injury. Without recognising these structural differences, standard treatments might miss the mark. Working with a skilled practitioner who understands these unique features and can adapt your treatment plan accordingly is key to managing chronic injuries effectively.
Think You Might Be Hypermobile?
Curious about whether you might be hypermobile? Take my Hypermobile or Just a Bit Bendy? quiz to find out more! Your results may surprise you. This quiz is designed to give you insights into your body and help you have more informed conversations with your healthcare providers. Please note, it’s for informational purposes only.
And if you already took the quiz and your answers don’t seem to line up with what most hypermobile people say, then please note that it’s literally just a “for-fun” quiz and it does not replace in ANY way personal healthcare advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare provider!
The Importance of Specialised Care for Chronic Injuries
Even if hypermobility isn’t a factor, chronic pain and seemingly untreatable injuries often require specialised care. Many people who feel stuck or frustrated with their recovery find relief once they receive the right treatment.
I specialise in providing individualised care for complex injuries, whether you’re hypermobile or not. My goal is to not only help you reduce pain and improve mobility but also empower you to take control of your healing. With the right approach, many chronic conditions become manageable and treatable.
Speak With Me About Booking An Appointment
Living with chronic pain doesn’t have to be your normal. Whether you’re dealing with hypermobility or other complex, chronic issues, I’m here to help both online and in-person at my London clinic offices in Marylebone and Monument.
Click HERE to get in touch send an email to me 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 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 and require expert management.
Works Cited
- Demmler, J.C., Atkinson, M.D., Reinhold, E.J., Choy, E., Lyons, R.A. and Brophy, S.T., 2019. Diagnosed prevalence of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder in Wales, UK: a national electronic cohort study and case-control comparison. BMJ Open, 9(11), p.e031365. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031365 [Accessed 15 Oct. 2024].
