If you’ve ever been called “double-jointed” or entertained your friends with your ability to do the splits, you may have wondered if it’s just flexibility or possibly something more. When accompanied by other symptoms, this extra mobility can be linked to a connective tissue condition known as a hypermobility disorder. These disorders can lead to joint instability, chronic pain, and even systemic health concerns.

As a chiropractor in Boston, I often work with patients who suspect they may have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or another hypermobility disorder. Understanding how these conditions are evaluated is an important step toward proper care and support.

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Why the Beighton Scale Isn’t Enough

The Beighton scale is the most common screening tool for hypermobility. It measures joint flexibility with a simple scoring system based on movements like touching the floor with flat palms, bending the thumbs back to the wrist, or hyperextending elbows and knees.

While helpful, the Beighton scale only measures flexibility and does not take into account the symptoms, pain, or history of injury. Many people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may score low but still struggle with chronic pain, dislocations, or fatigue.

That’s why the Brighton Criteria is more useful for diagnosis. It looks beyond range of motion, taking into account:

• Recurrent joint pain
• History of dislocations
• Systemic symptoms (such as fatigue, skin changes, or cardiovascular issues)
• Family history of connective tissue disorders

This broader approach gives a more accurate picture of how hypermobility affects daily life.

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Types of Hypermobility Disorders

Hypermobility disorders are classified by which structural protein is affected. Each protein plays a vital role in connective tissue health:

• Fibrillin Disorders
  • Marfan Syndrome
  • Loeys–Dietz Syndrome
    (Often linked with tall stature, long limbs, and cardiovascular involvement.)
• Collagen Disorders
  • Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
  • Stickler Syndrome
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta
    (These conditions cause fragile tissues, frequent dislocations, and sometimes vascular complications.)
• Elastin Disorders
  • Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
    (Affects skin, eyes, and blood vessels due to reduced tissue elasticity.)

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Chiropractic Care for Hypermobility Disorders

Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorders often benefit from manual therapies like chiropractic care and exercise, but only when done thoughtfully and carefully. Unlike traditional chiropractic goals, the focus here is not on increasing mobility (since flexibility is already excessive). Instead, treatment is designed to:

• Support joint stability with gentle adjustments and soft tissue techniques
• Reduce pain and inflammation from overworked muscles and unstable joints
• Improve proprioception (your body’s awareness of joint position)
• Strengthen supportive muscles to help protect ligaments and prevent injury

Many patients find that working with a chiropractor who understands EDS and hypermobility helps them maintain better alignment, reduce flare-ups, and feel more confident in their movement.

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The Bottom Line

If you’ve been told you’re “just flexible” but also live with chronic joint pain, fatigue, or repeated injuries, it may be time to look beyond the Beighton scale. The Brighton Criteria and a comprehensive evaluation can provide clearer answers.

At my Boston chiropractic office, I take a careful, individualized approach to supporting patients with hypermobility disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. The goal is always stability, balance, and better quality of life, not just flexibility.

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If you’re in the Boston area and want to learn more about chiropractic care for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or hypermobility disorders, please reach out to contact us.

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