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As many of my fellow hypermobile patients know, I'm a hypermobile person too. Something I found out when I started my chiropractic degree. It answered many questions, such as being clumbsy, a link to dyslexia, and a huge one, fatigue.
It's something that baffled me for many years, until I found out and looked for answers. Hypermobility is a condition that's for life, but that doesn't mean you have to give into it. It's an opertunity to learn how to manage it, and become better through it.
Hypermobility is a common condition where joints move beyond the normal range of motion. While it may seem like a flexibility advantage, which it can be, it often comes with challenges, one of the most common being fatigue. If you have hypermobility and feel constantly tired, you’re not alone. Many people experience chronic exhaustion, muscle weakness, and even brain fog.
At our chiropractic clinic in Cardiff, we see many patients struggling with hypermobility-related fatigue. Understanding why it happens and how to manage it can significantly improve your quality of life.
Why Does Hypermobility Cause Fatigue?
Fatigue in hypermobility stems from several key factors:
1. Muscle Overuse and Compensation
Because hypermobile joints are less stable, your muscles have to work harder to keep them in place. This constant effort leads to muscle fatigue, for some soreness, and an overall feeling of exhaustion.
2. Joint Misalignment
Hypermobility can cause postural imbalances, leading to joint misalignment. They joints are not dislocated or out of places, they just are not sitting in the optimal position.
3. Nervous System Overload
Your brain continuously monitors and corrects joint positioning, requiring extra effort in hypermobile individuals. This increased nervous system activity can lead to autonomic dysfunction, affecting heart rate, digestion, and energy levels—often causing dizziness, brain fog, and chronic tiredness. Some who get dizzy often have POTs (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) which is linked heavily to hypermobility.
4. Pain and Sleep Disturbances
Many hypermobile people experience joint pain, making it difficult to get restful sleep. Poor sleep quality leads to daytime fatigue, reduced focus, and slower recovery from physical activity.
5. Blood Flow and Circulatory Issues
Conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) are common in hypermobility. POTS affects circulation, making it harder for your body to regulate blood flow, leading to dizziness, fatigue, and even fainting episodes.
Managing Fatigue in Hypermobility
Although fatigue is a challenge, effective management strategies can help you regain energy and improve daily function.
1. Chiropractic Care
At our Cardiff chiropractic clinic, we focus on gentle joint adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and posture correction (if needed) to reduce joint strain and improve alignment. By restoring balance, we help relieve muscle overuse and nervous system overload, reducing fatigue.
2. Strengthening and Stability Exercises
Building core strength and joint stability helps support hypermobile joints, reducing the energy needed for movement. Pilates, yoga (with modifications), and resistance training can help strengthen muscles safely.
3. Improve Sleep Quality
Use supportive pillows to maintain joint alignment.
Create a bedtime routine to improve sleep patterns.
Try gentle stretching before bed to relax muscles.
4. Pacing and Energy Management
Overdoing activities leads to post-exertional malaise, where fatigue worsens after physical effort. Pacing strategies such as breaking tasks into small steps, taking rest breaks, and prioritizing activities can help conserve energy. I know if I work out for to long, or too hard I will feel a lot more fatigue for days afterwards. But there is always progress with consistency.
5. Hydration and Nutrition
Stay hydrated to support circulation.
Eat a balanced diet with protein, healthy fats, and slow-releasing carbohydrates.
Increase electrolytes if you experience dizziness or POTS symptoms.
6. Postural Awareness and Ergonomics
Use lumbar support when sitting for long periods.
Adjust your workspace to reduce strain on joints.
Avoid standing for long durations without support or movement breaks.
7. Stress Reduction and Nervous System Support
Mindfulness, deep breathing, and gentle movement therapies like Tai Chi can calm the nervous system, reducing fatigue. If anxiety or stress contributes to exhaustion, hands on treatment is great for stress reduction.
Get Expert Help for Hypermobility and Fatigue in Cardiff
If you’re struggling with fatigue, joint pain, or muscle weakness, our Cardiff chiropractic practice can help. We specialize in gentle, effective treatments for hypermobility, helping you restore energy and function.
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