WRITTEN BY Anna Madejska
In my 20 years in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, I’ve worked with countless clients who consider themselves "double-jointed" or "super flexible". But as a fitness professional, I began noticing a distinct pattern: these same hyper-flexible individuals often struggled with hidden issues like dizziness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue, and even pelvic or bladder pain.
I understand this intimately because I lived it. Diagnosed with scoliosis at age six, I spent years battling severe stomach issues, chronic fatigue, headaches, and joint instability into my late twenties. Like many, I didn't realize these seemingly random issues were connected—not only to each other, but also to pelvic and sexual health.
If you are exhausted from navigating a maze of doctor's visits for mysterious symptoms, you aren't alone. Hypermobility spectrum disorders affect roughly 3% of the population, or about 225 million people. Yet, getting an accurate diagnosis takes an average of 22 years for EDS, with patients frequently facing frustrating medical gaslighting along the way.
Understanding the "Hypermobility Triad"
Often, these overlapping symptoms belong to what is known as the Hypermobility Triad.
To cut through the medical jargon, here is what those conditions actually mean:
The Overlooked Link to Pelvic Health and Intimacy
The Hypermobility Triad significantly impacts sexual and pelvic health. For those with hEDS or HSD, joint hypermobility can literally lead to joint subluxation or dislocation during intimacy. On top of that, painful intercourse (dyspareunia) is reported by 36% of EDS patients compared to just 15-20% of the general public.
The other parts of the triad play a major role, too. The profound fatigue and dizziness from POTS can severely disrupt intimacy and create a very real fear of movement (kinesiophobia). Meanwhile, MCAS can contribute to genital pain, inflammation, and unexpected allergic reactions to everyday products like lubricants.
How Specialized Pilates Can Transform Your Life
When you live with hypermobility, standard workouts can sometimes do more harm than good.
This is where specialized, intentional movement comes in.
Pilates-based workouts are an excellent exercise option for those with hEDS/HSD, as they cater specifically to the unique needs of hypermobile bodies.
As an instructor guided by personal experience and dedicated research, my goal is to help you safely build strength and stabilize your body. Strength training and Pilates, when guided by a trained professional, can specifically strengthen and stabilize the hips.
Here is what we focus on in our sessions:
Let's Work Together
Managing hypermobility requires a holistic approach that includes movement, education, nutrition, and sleep. You don't have to navigate this complex condition—or the fear of exercising with it—alone.
If you are ready to stop fearing movement and start building safe, stabilizing strength, I would love to work with you. Over time, and with the gradual integration of specialized Pilates strategies, you can effectively manage your condition, just as I have with mine.
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My Favorite Resources & Support Groups
If you are looking for more information, here are some excellent places to start:
Organizations & Associations -
The Ehlers-Danlos Society
The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK
Hypermobility Syndromes Association
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
Educational & Community Resources -
Bendy Bodies Podcast
Sex-tacular EDS Zebras Facebook Group
HypermobilityMD.com (Linda Bluestein, MD)
I understand this intimately because I lived it. Diagnosed with scoliosis at age six, I spent years battling severe stomach issues, chronic fatigue, headaches, and joint instability into my late twenties. Like many, I didn't realize these seemingly random issues were connected—not only to each other, but also to pelvic and sexual health.
If you are exhausted from navigating a maze of doctor's visits for mysterious symptoms, you aren't alone. Hypermobility spectrum disorders affect roughly 3% of the population, or about 225 million people. Yet, getting an accurate diagnosis takes an average of 22 years for EDS, with patients frequently facing frustrating medical gaslighting along the way.
Understanding the "Hypermobility Triad"
Often, these overlapping symptoms belong to what is known as the Hypermobility Triad.
To cut through the medical jargon, here is what those conditions actually mean:
- hEDS / HSD (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders): Connective tissue disorders that lead to joint instability, pain, and systemic issues affecting more than just your joints.
- POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome): An autonomic dysfunction that frequently appears alongside EDS, resulting in severe dizziness and fatigue.
- MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome): An immune disorder that triggers inappropriate allergic reactions and inflammation.
The Overlooked Link to Pelvic Health and Intimacy
The Hypermobility Triad significantly impacts sexual and pelvic health. For those with hEDS or HSD, joint hypermobility can literally lead to joint subluxation or dislocation during intimacy. On top of that, painful intercourse (dyspareunia) is reported by 36% of EDS patients compared to just 15-20% of the general public.
The other parts of the triad play a major role, too. The profound fatigue and dizziness from POTS can severely disrupt intimacy and create a very real fear of movement (kinesiophobia). Meanwhile, MCAS can contribute to genital pain, inflammation, and unexpected allergic reactions to everyday products like lubricants.
How Specialized Pilates Can Transform Your Life
When you live with hypermobility, standard workouts can sometimes do more harm than good.
This is where specialized, intentional movement comes in.
Pilates-based workouts are an excellent exercise option for those with hEDS/HSD, as they cater specifically to the unique needs of hypermobile bodies.
As an instructor guided by personal experience and dedicated research, my goal is to help you safely build strength and stabilize your body. Strength training and Pilates, when guided by a trained professional, can specifically strengthen and stabilize the hips.
Here is what we focus on in our sessions:
- Joint Stabilization: With more stable joints, you'll experience less pain and drastically reduce your fear of movement.
- Targeted Coordination: We focus heavily on improving stabilization, strength, and coordination to make both your daily activities and your intimate moments smoother and more comfortable.
- Safe Movement: We pay close attention to the specific movements, positions, and activities that may cause you issues so we can adapt and strengthen around them safely.
Let's Work Together
Managing hypermobility requires a holistic approach that includes movement, education, nutrition, and sleep. You don't have to navigate this complex condition—or the fear of exercising with it—alone.
If you are ready to stop fearing movement and start building safe, stabilizing strength, I would love to work with you. Over time, and with the gradual integration of specialized Pilates strategies, you can effectively manage your condition, just as I have with mine.
---------------------------------------------------------
My Favorite Resources & Support Groups
If you are looking for more information, here are some excellent places to start:
Organizations & Associations -
The Ehlers-Danlos Society
The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK
Hypermobility Syndromes Association
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
Educational & Community Resources -
Bendy Bodies Podcast
Sex-tacular EDS Zebras Facebook Group
HypermobilityMD.com (Linda Bluestein, MD)
