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Hypermobility & Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
A hypermobile body can have more available range while still feeling painfully tight, fatigued, guarded, or unstable.
What it may feel like
Muscles that seem chronically tight, aching around unstable joints, recurring strains, neck or back tension, fatigue after ordinary activity, or areas that feel both tight and overly mobile.
More flexible is not always better
A muscle can increase tension because it is trying to help stabilize a joint.
What an LMT may assess
The plan is adapted to tissue tolerance and the person's known medical picture.
We may assess
Muscular guarding, tenderness, positional tolerance, areas of restriction versus excessive mobility, pressure tolerance, previous injuries or subluxations reported by the client, and how symptoms change with activity or support.
Tell us about
Known EDS or HSD diagnosis, dislocation or subluxation history, cervical instability, vascular EDS, easy bruising or skin fragility, POTS or dysautonomia symptoms that affect positioning, current physical therapy, and medical restrictions.
What may be different about your session
The goal is comfort and function, not maximum range.
Treatment may involve
More supported positioning, careful joint placement, less end-range stretching, gradual pressure, frequent check-ins, and working around irritated tissues rather than forcing change through them.
Massage is one part of the picture
Strength, proprioception, motor control, and appropriately progressed rehabilitation can be central to managing symptomatic hypermobility. Massage can support muscular comfort but does not replace stability training.
Not sure where to start?
Start with the concern, not the technique. Clinical Massage is booked by time; we assess first and adapt the session around what you are experiencing.