HMSA - The Hypermobility Syndromes Association

Charity for people living with all Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. Providing information and support, promoting awareness and research

[hmsacharity]

Clinicians! Join the Hypermobility Syndromes Association for a free online education session on how the Spider Tool can support more holistic assessment and treatment of hypermobility.

Led by Senior Specialist Rheumatology Physiotherapist Kathryn Langman, this session is ideal for physios, OTs, GPs, AHPs, and students.

📅 17 June 2026 🕖 19:00–20:15 BST 🔗 Register: https://www.hypermobility.org/event-details/using-the-spider-tool-in-physio-and-ot-assessment-and-treatment-of-hypermobility

Please reblog to help us reach more clinicians, as wider awareness leads to better care for everyone living with symptomatic hypermobility.

[hmsacharity]

What a week that was. One of those where you get so much done, but at a glance it looks like nothing changed at all. Luckily the progress is measurable in other ways, and the dropped balls are all recoverable. I’m counting that as a win.

How was your week? All work, all play, somewhere in between?

My highlights were all wildlife‑themed: fluffy fledglings at the feeder, a young fox bold as brass, more bees and butterflies than I’ve seen in years, and the slow rewilding of neglected corners with a handful of wildflower seed. I can’t wait to see it all bloom.

What were your highlights?

[hmsacharity]

It’s that time of year again… For those already struggling in the heat, brace yourselves, the bank holiday weekend is looking to be even hotter.

Super glad we swapped out almost all the heated blankets for cooling towels during last week’s big clean‑up. Small wins.

if you're someone who melts the moment the mercury hits hits 20°C, we’ll be live from 7pm tonight, taking your questions on all things occupational therapy (including keeping cool). Can’t join us live? Register anyway, we’ll send you the replay when it’s ready. hypermobility.org/events💙

[hmsacharity]

✨ Ask the OT with Jo Southall — 21 May, 19:00 BST ✨

A free online session for anyone living with hypermobility, chronic illness, or complex symptoms. Bring your questions about pacing, planning, joint protection, mobility aids, and daily living strategies.

Jo specialises in supporting people with complex needs, and this session is a gentle, practical space to learn and connect.

If you’ve got questions already, send them to us with the subject “Ask” and we’ll start with those.

🔗 Register on our website.

[bendybitchesanonymous]

"How was your day?"

"Sneezed too hard. Arms fell off."

[hmsacharity]

Today is vEDS awareness day! :red_circle:

The Vascular type of EDS is characterized by thin, translucent skin that bruises easily but is not necessarily particularly stretchy, and spontaneous dilation / rupture of arteries and organs (Byers et al, 2017). The problem lies in the production of type 3 collagen. There is also a characteristic facial appearance:

Protruding eyes,

Thin nose and lips,

Sunken cheeks, and

Small chin.

Hypermobility is typically found in the small joints of the hands. Other (non skin) features akin to other forms of EDS may also be found such as hip dislocation and clubfoot. The major causes for concern in this condition arise because of fragility of the blood vessels, gut wall, and uterus. There is a risk for rupture of any of these structures, which may be life threatening.

About a quarter of individuals with vEDS experience significant medical problems by the time they are 20 years of age. More than 80% of individuals experience major problems by the age of 40. Because of this life expectancy is shortened in vEDS.

https://www.hypermobility.org/ehlers-danlos

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On 6 May, 18:30–20:30 (BST) we’re running an online Self‑Compassion Workshop with Kim Clayden.

It’s a warm, supportive session focused on being kinder to yourself during challenging times. Instead of analysing problems, Kim helps you clarify meaningful goals, imagine your preferred future, recognise the progress you’ve already made, and identify the smallest next steps that feel achievable.

📍 Zoom 🔗 hypermobility.org

#Hypermobility #HSD #EDS #SelfCompassion #ChronicIllnessCommunity

[hmsacharity]

[hmsacharity]

Yesterday was another busy day at the BSR, sharing all things hypermobility with rheumatologists, physios and OTs. We joined the special‑interest group on supporting hypermobile patients and delivered a talk that was completely packed — with brilliant conversations afterwards. Today we’re back at the stand, and Lisa, our CEO, is chairing a hypermobility session this afternoon.

[hmsacharity]

✨ New for 2026 — the HMSA’s updated booklet Hypermobility and how to manage it is now in stock!

This 48‑page, full‑colour guide covers:

• What hypermobility syndromes are

• Common symptoms

• Self‑management skills

• Medications & complications

• Managing flare‑ups

• Stress, anxiety & relationships

• Making the most of NHS care

• A gentle resource for loved ones, too

Created by the Hypermobility Syndromes Association to support you in living well. @HMSACharity on all socials. Members, check your e-mail for an awareness pack - that and the members' library version of this should be available by the weekend. :)

📘 Available now: Hypermobility.org/shop 💜 Reblogs help others find support

[hmsacharity]

💜 Free Online Self‑Compassion Workshop — 6 May Hosted by the Hypermobility Syndromes Association, this 2‑hour session with psychotherapist Kim Clayden offers a gentle, solution‑focused approach to self‑compassion.

Learn how to shift your inner dialogue, recognise your strengths, and build a personalised toolkit for navigating difficult moments.

🗓 6 May ⏰ 18:30–20:30 BST 💻 Zoom 🔗 Register: https://www.hypermobility.org/event-details/self-compassion-workshop-with-kim-clayden-2

[hmsacharity]

'All About Hand Therapy for the Hypermobile' is a gentle, practical session with clinical specialist hand therapist Nicola Goldsmith. If hand pain, instability, or fatigue make tasks tough, register now.

🗓️ 8 April 2026 ⏰ 19:00–20:00 BST 🏆 £250 voucher to be won❓Q&A 💻 Zoom

Everyone’s welcome — community members, carers, clinicians, the newly diagnosed and the 'old hands' (Not even sorry, I'll get my coat).

https://www.hypermobility.org/event-details/all-about-hand-therapy-for-the-hypermobile-with-nicola-goldsmith

[hmsacharity]

No relaxation this evening as it is a bank holiday and Kim is glued to NASA TV watching Artemis 2 flyby the moon and is getting #MoonJoy! How about you?

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GP not sure how to help with your hypermobility? You’re not alone. We created a free one‑page Quick Reference Guide to make things easier—for you and your GP. Details + links: hypermobility.org/post/a-quick-reference-guide-a-year-on

[hmsacharity]

Miss last night's show? It's ok, we got you.

One viewer said they could listen to Jo all night.

A quick wave of our LinkFairy's wand & we can absolutely make that happen. Last night's show, and an extensive back catalogue, are on our website and YouTube, so if you want to binge, you can absolutely do that! Go nuts. Like, subscribe to be notified about new sessions and all the good stuff!

[fibro-memes]

[2thecosmos]

able-bodied people always act so surprised when you tell them youre in too much pain to sleep. like yes. being disabled can in fact disable your sleep schedule.