What Is Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)?

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a connective tissue disorder that affects the body's ability to produce strong, stable collagen. Collagen is one of the main building blocks of our joints, ligaments, skin, blood vessels, and other tissues. People with hEDS often have joints that move beyond the normal range of motion, which can lead to frequent sprains, dislocations, chronic pain, and injuries. While flexibility is often celebrated, hypermobility can come with significant challenges that impact daily life.

Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, hEDS affects much more than the joints. Many people experience fatigue, dizziness, digestive issues, headaches, poor proprioception, and problems with the autonomic nervous system, including conditions such as dysautonomia. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person, which is one reason many individuals go years without receiving an accurate diagnosis. Living with hEDS often means learning how to manage energy, reduce injury risk, and support the body in ways that promote stability rather than simply increasing flexibility.

While there is currently no cure for hEDS, there are many ways to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms. Strength training, physical therapy, nervous system regulation, proper nutrition, and movement education can all play important roles in supporting joint stability and function. As someone who works with hypermobile individuals, I focus on helping people build strength, improve body awareness, manage pain, and develop sustainable strategies that allow them to move through life with greater confidence and resilience.