Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD): What You Need to Know
Living with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) can feel overwhelming, but knowledge is power. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or searching for answers, understanding HSD is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. The healthcare team at NeuroSport is here to help! Let’s dive into what HSD is, common symptoms, why it happens, and what to expect moving forward.
What is Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)?
HSD is a connective tissue disorder that affects the body’s joints, muscles, and ligaments — making them looser and more flexible than usual. While some people are naturally flexible without issue, HSD goes beyond that, often leading to pain, joint instability, and systemic symptoms like fatigue, digestive issues, or dizziness.
Common Symptoms of HSD
HSD symptoms vary widely between individuals. Some of the most common include:
✔️ Joint pain or discomfort (especially after activity)
✔️ Frequent sprains, subluxations (partial dislocations), or full dislocations
✔️ Muscle tightness or fatigue from overworking to stabilize loose joints
✔️ Poor balance or coordination
✔️ Easy bruising or slow wound healing (due to connective tissue weakness)
✔️ Digestive issues like bloating, reflux, or constipation
✔️ Dizziness or rapid heart rate when standing (often linked to dysautonomia/POTS)
✔️ Chronic fatigue
Why Does This Happen?
HSD stems from differences in the connective tissues — the body's internal scaffolding that supports joints, muscles, and organs. When this tissue is more elastic than it should be, several problems arise:
🔹 Joint instability → Pain, sprains, subluxations, and muscle fatigue from overcompensating.
🔹 Muscle overuse → Muscles tighten and fatigue quickly from working overtime to stabilize joints.
🔹 Autonomic nervous system involvement → Symptoms like dizziness, heart racing, and GI issues often occur due to dysautonomia (e.g., POTS).
What to Expect Moving Forward
Managing HSD is a marathon, not a sprint. A personalized, multidisciplinary approach is key to improving strength, stability, and daily function.
🏋️♀️ 1. Multidisciplinary Care Approach
✅ Active Care: Focus on strengthening and stabilizing the muscles around hypermobile joints — without overloading them. For patients experiencing POTS or dysautonomia, the Moreau POTS Protocol is a proven strategy for improving autonomic function.
✅ Pain Management: This may include manual therapy, exercise modifications, and strategic rest, designed to avoid deconditioning while protecting vulnerable joints.
✅ Autonomic Support: Since HSD often overlaps with dysautonomia, heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms should be regularly monitored. Tailored strategies — like compression garments and hydration support — help stabilize autonomic function.
🔧 2. Lifestyle Adaptations
Small changes = big improvements!
✔️ Activity Pacing: Balance activity with rest to avoid "crash cycles."
✔️ Joint Protection: Avoid prolonged positions that strain hypermobile joints.
✔️ Hydration and Salt Intake: Supports blood volume, which may help manage POTS symptoms.
✔️ Compression Garments: May improve blood flow and reduce lightheadedness.
📈 3. Long-Term Outlook
The good news? You can improve — even with a lifelong condition like HSD.
✨ Strength and stability training reduces pain, joint instability, and injury risk over time.
✨ Symptom monitoring is key — if dizziness, GI symptoms, or fatigue worsen, further evaluations may be necessary.
✨ Self-management strategies (like pacing, hydration, and posture training) empower you to take control of daily function.
🚨 When to Reach Out
Contact your healthcare team if you notice:
🔴 Increased joint instability or new dislocations
🔴 Worsening dizziness or heart racing (beyond your usual symptoms)
🔴 Severe fatigue, GI issues, or other unexplained symptoms
🔍 Learn More About HSD
Looking for trustworthy, evidence-backed resources to dive deeper into HSD? Start here:
1️⃣ The Ehlers-Danlos Society
Comprehensive, research-backed information on HSD, EDS, and related conditions — including patient guides and practical management tips.
2️⃣ Hypermobility Syndromes Association (HMSA)
A UK-based charity dedicated to supporting people with HSD and hypermobility syndromes, offering practical advice and community support.
3️⃣ Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) — NIH
A reliable, clear overview of HSD from the U.S. National Institutes of Health — covering symptoms, diagnosis, management, and research.
4️⃣ Physiopedia
🔗 https://www.physio-pedia.com/Hypermobility_Spectrum_Disorder
A rehabilitation-focused resource that explains the biomechanics and exercise strategies for managing HSD effectively.
✨ Remember: HSD is a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t define you. With the right care team, strategies, and support, you can build strength, stability, and confidence — one step at a time. 💪
🔹 #HypermobilitySpectrumDisorder | #HSDawareness | #Hypermobility | #ChronicPain | #POTS | #Dysautonomia | #ConnectiveTissueDisorder | #PatientEducation | #MoreauPOTSProtocol
