Illustration of a woman balancing on a ribbon, symbolizing joint hypermobility and balance.

Bending But Not Breaking: Understanding Hypermobility and Your Body's Natural Balance

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness January 2026 • 4 min read.

"Is joint hypermobility affecting your strength and stability? Discover how to manage hypermobility for a stronger, more balanced you."

Do your joints have a little extra give? You might be experiencing joint hypermobility, a common condition where joints can move beyond their typical range. While some people enjoy the flexibility, others find it can affect their strength, balance, and overall well-being. But what's the real connection, and how can you manage it?

Joint hypermobility (GJH) isn't just about being extra flexible; it's a condition that can influence how your muscles work and how stable you feel. Some people with GJH experience symptoms like joint pain or instability, while others don't notice any issues. Understanding these differences is key to finding the right strategies for staying strong and balanced.

This article dives into the science behind joint hypermobility, looking at how it impacts muscle strength, balance, and muscle activity. Whether you're dealing with symptoms or simply curious about hypermobility, we'll explore practical tips and insights to help you take control of your body's natural balance.

The Science of Hypermobility: How Flexible Joints Affect Your Body

Illustration of a woman balancing on a ribbon, symbolizing joint hypermobility and balance.

Hypermobility means your joints can move further than usual. This happens because the tissues that support your joints, like ligaments and tendons, are more elastic. While this can be great for activities like yoga or gymnastics, it also means your joints might be less stable. Now, instability can affect how your muscles work to support your body.

Here's the deal, if your joints are too flexible, your muscles have to work harder to keep them stable. This can lead to muscle fatigue, pain, and a feeling of instability. Plus, your sense of proprioception (your body's awareness of its position in space) might be affected, making it harder to balance.

Passive Tone: This includes the natural stiffness of your soft tissues. Hypermobile joints often have less stiffness, making muscles work harder.
Active Tone: This refers to your neuromuscular properties and muscle strength. It is important for stability, and includes maximum strength, strength endurance, and rate of force development.
Rate of Force Development (RFD): Essential for everyday movements like walking and climbing stairs, RFD is how quickly your muscles can generate force. Reduced RFD can lead to accidents and restrictions in daily life.

So, the question is: do people with hypermobility have different strength and balance abilities compared to those without it? Researchers have been digging into this, and here's what they've found.

Finding Your Balance: Practical Steps for Managing Hypermobility

Living with hypermobility doesn't mean you're destined for a life of instability. By focusing on targeted exercises and lifestyle adjustments, you can build strength, improve balance, and reduce symptoms. Remember, every body is different, so finding what works for you is key. Working with healthcare professionals can make the journey more manageable.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

How does joint hypermobility impact muscle function and overall stability in the body?

Joint hypermobility (GJH) affects how muscles work to stabilize joints because the ligaments and tendons are more elastic. This increased flexibility means muscles have to work harder to maintain joint stability, potentially leading to muscle fatigue, pain, and a feeling of instability. It can also affect proprioception, which is your body's awareness of its position in space, making balance more challenging. Managing hypermobility involves targeted exercises and lifestyle adjustments to build strength and improve balance.

What is 'passive tone' in the context of hypermobility, and why is it important?

Passive Tone refers to the natural stiffness of the soft tissues supporting a joint. In hypermobile joints, there is often less natural stiffness, meaning the muscles around the joint must exert more effort to provide stability. This increased muscular effort can lead to fatigue and discomfort. Understanding passive tone helps in designing interventions to improve joint stability by strengthening the surrounding musculature.

What role does 'active tone' play in managing hypermobility, and what components does it involve?

Active Tone refers to neuromuscular properties and muscle strength, which are essential for joint stability. Active tone includes maximum strength, strength endurance, and the rate of force development (RFD). People with hypermobility need to focus on improving these aspects of active tone through targeted exercises to compensate for the increased joint flexibility and maintain stability.

Why is 'rate of force development' (RFD) so critical for individuals with hypermobility, and how does it affect daily life?

Rate of Force Development (RFD) is how quickly your muscles can generate force and is crucial for everyday movements like walking and climbing stairs. Reduced RFD in individuals with hypermobility can lead to instability and an increased risk of accidents and restrictions in daily activities. Improving RFD through specific training can enhance muscle's ability to respond quickly, improving overall stability and preventing injuries.

What practical steps can individuals with hypermobility take to improve their balance and stability, and why is a personalized approach important?

Individuals with hypermobility can improve balance and stability through targeted exercises and lifestyle adjustments. Since every body is different, finding what works best for you is essential. Working with healthcare professionals can help tailor a program to address specific needs and symptoms. Focus on exercises that build strength, improve proprioception, and enhance muscular endurance around the hypermobile joints. This approach helps individuals take control of their body's natural balance and reduce symptoms.