Joint hypermobility refers to joints that move beyond the normal expected range of motion due to ligament laxity and connective tissue differences. It's often called "loose joints" or being "double-jointed." It's commonly seen in children and women. The symptoms often begin early in life. Yet, it may take years to be diagnosed properly. Hypermobility tends to decrease with age as connective tissues stiffen. Over time, chronic joint laxity may contribute to premature degenerative change and conditions such as spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis.
Common symptoms of joint hypermobility include:
- chronic spine or joint pain
- joint clicking or popping
- frequent sprains or dislocations
- tendinopathy and soft-tissue injuries
- fatigue or poor sleep
- clumsiness or poor coordination
- headaches or dizziness
Traditional chiropractic care often focuses on restoring mobility to restricted spinal segments. In patients with hypermobility, spinal manipulation is strategically applied to nearby restricted joints. The overall treatment plan would prioritize strengthening, proprioceptive retraining, and strategies that enhance joint stability.
Activities that help improve both muscular support and proprioception include:
- Pilates or yoga
- Tai Chi
- Swimming
- Spinal stabilization exercises such as bird dog, dead bug and side bridge exercises
- Resistance training
Other helpful everyday lifestyle tips include:
- Avoid end-range joint positions, particularly locking joints into hyperextension
- Maintain a slight bend in the knees and elbows when standing to reduce ligament strain
- Maintain neutral spinal posture during sitting and standing
- Avoid prolonged slumped sitting or static positions
- Optimize workstation ergonomics to minimize repetitive joint stress
- Modify repetitive tasks and the pacing of physical activities to prevent overloading unstable joints
Conclusion
Joint hypermobility is common but it's a frequently overlooked cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Chiropractors play a key role in identifying these patients through screening tools and targeted clinical history. Effective care focuses on improving joint stability, proprioception, and neuromuscular control rather than increasing mobility alone.
For quick reference, check out the Hypermobility Infographic below.
References
Dr. Tim Bertelsman, Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder: Chiropractic Diagnosis and Treatment, ChiroUp Blog, March 19, 2026
