Hypermobility and the Nervous System

A deeper look at connection, sensitivity, and clinical care

By Jennifer Richards, LMT

What Does the Nervous System Do?

The nervous system is your body’s communication network—it gathers information, processes it, and tells your body how to respond.

It has two main divisions:

  • Central Nervous System (CNS)
    Brain and spinal cord — the command center
  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
    Nerves that branch throughout the body

Within the PNS, two key players matter here:

  • Somatic Nervous System → voluntary movement and sensation
  • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) → automatic functions like heart rate, digestion, breathing

The ANS has two branches:

  • Sympathetic (“fight or flight”)
  • Parasympathetic (“rest and digest”)

A healthy system constantly balances between these states—this is called autonomic regulation.

What Is Hypermobility?

Hypermobility refers to joints that move beyond the normal range of motion due to differences in connective tissue—primarily collagen.

It exists on a spectrum:

  • Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH)
  • Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD)
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (especially hypermobile type, hEDS)

Hypermobility isn’t just about flexibility—it’s a whole-body condition that can affect:

  • Joints and ligaments
  • Fascia
  • Blood vessels
  • Internal organs
  • The nervous system

How the Nervous System and Hypermobility Are Connected

This is where things get interesting—and clinically important.

1. Proprioception Challenges

Proprioception = your body’s sense of position in space.

In hypermobile individuals:

  • Ligaments are more lax
  • Joint receptors provide less reliable feedback

👉 The nervous system has to work harder to figure out where the body is

This can lead to:

  • Clumsiness
  • Poor coordination
  • Increased injury risk

2. Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation

Many hypermobile individuals experience dysautonomia, including:

  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
  • Orthostatic intolerance
  • Blood pressure instability

Common symptoms:

  • Dizziness when standing
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog

👉 Blood vessels (made of connective tissue) may not constrict efficiently, affecting circulation.

3. Nervous System Sensitization

Chronic joint instability + microtrauma = ongoing sensory input

Over time, this can contribute to:

  • Central sensitization
  • Heightened pain perception
  • Increased nervous system reactivity

The system becomes more protective—and sometimes overprotective

4. Fascia + Nerve Interaction

Fascia surrounds and supports nerves.

In hypermobility:

  • Fascia may be more elastic but less supportive
  • Nerves may experience altered glide and tension

👉 This can contribute to:

  • Nerve irritation
  • “Zingy” sensations
  • Diffuse or hard-to-pinpoint pain

The Pluses (Yes, There Are Some)

Hypermobility isn’t all downside.

Neurologically and physically, some advantages include:

  • Greater flexibility and adaptability
  • Potential for enhanced movement creativity (dance, yoga, athletics)
  • Often heightened body awareness over time (learned, not automatic)
  • Some individuals report increased interoception (awareness of internal states)

The Negatives

This is where most clients seek help.

  • Nervous system fatigue from constant stabilization demands
  • Chronic pain and central sensitization
  • Autonomic dysfunction (POTS, dizziness, fatigue)
  • Poor proprioception → injury cycles
  • Anxiety and stress reactivity (linked to ANS imbalance)

👉 Important note: this is not “just anxiety”—it is often physiological dysregulation

Massage Therapy Considerations

This is where your work becomes powerful—and nuanced.

1. Prioritize Nervous System Safety

  • Slow, predictable movements
  • Clear communication
  • Avoid overstimulation

👉 The goal is regulation, not intensity

2. Stability Over Mobility

  • Avoid aggressive stretching
  • Avoid joint traction unless clinically appropriate

Focus on:

  • Grounding techniques
  • Compression
  • Mid-range work

3. Pressure: Less Can Be More

  • Deep pressure isn’t always better
  • Hypermobile clients may feel relief from deep work—but can flare later

👉 Watch for delayed responses

4. Support Proprioception

  • Broad, slow strokes
  • Joint approximation
  • Gentle holds

These help the nervous system map the body more clearly

5. Be Aware of Dysautonomia

  • Gradual position changes (supine → seated → standing)
  • Watch for dizziness
  • Keep hydration in mind

6. Pace the Session

  • The nervous system may fatigue quickly
  • Shorter, consistent sessions may be more effective than intense, infrequent ones

Clinical Insight

Many hypermobile clients are told:

  • “You’re just anxious”
  • “It’s all in your head”

In reality, their nervous system is often:
👉 Working overtime to create stability in an unstable system

Your role is not to “fix” them—
It’s to support regulation, safety, and function

Evidence & Resources

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical care. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition. Massage therapists should work within their scope of practice and adapt techniques based on individual client needs, medical history, and response to treatment.

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Published by Jennifer Richards

Licensed Massage Therapist, Massage Instructor, Author

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