Based on your answers, hypermobility doesn’t seem to be a strong fit, but that doesn’t mean your symptoms are without explanation, or that hypermobility can be ruled out entirely. Hypermobility can present in nuanced and complex ways, which is why assessment by a healthcare professional with experience in hypermobility is so important.
(Medical Disclaimer: if you have any concerns about your health, including concerns about hypermobility, please speak with a qualified healthcare provider. Quiz results are not a substitute for a proper clinical assessment.)
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
1. Not All Soft-Tissue Injury Treatment is Created Equal
The quality of physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors can vary greatly, especially when it comes to handling complex cases. Many treatment approaches are too generalised, applying a one-size-fits-all method that overlooks your unique needs. For chronic injuries, finding a practitioner who genuinely understands your condition and tailors their approach accordingly makes a significant difference.
2. Your Healthcare Provider Might Not Be Up-To-Date
Healthcare is constantly evolving, with new research and treatment techniques emerging all the time. Without continuous learning and development, even well-meaning professionals can find themselves using outdated methods, which can lead to ineffective treatment outcomes. For complex, chronic injuries in particular, working with a practitioner who is committed to ongoing education and applying current evidence-based approaches to your care really does make a difference.
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.
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.
If you’d like to speak with me, please feel free to reach out using the contact form on my site (you can always find it at hypermobilityhq.com/contact).
Best in health and everything else,
Alex
P.S. My book Help! I’m Hypermobile: Your How-to Guide for hEDS, HSD, and Life in a Hypermobile Body is out now. It’s the resource I wish had existed when I first started working with hypermobile patients, and it’s written for anyone who is hypermobile, suspects they might be, or simply wants to understand their body and their health better. Even if hypermobility turns out not to be part of your story, there’s a good chance someone in your life could benefit from it.
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.
