When Flexibility Is More Than Just Being “Bendy”
BY DORTE BLADT
Understanding Hypermobility in Children
Most parents remember the moment their baby discovered their feet — grabbing them, playing with them, and often sucking their toes with great delight. It’s adorable… and it’s also completely normal.
At around four months of age, this is an important developmental milestone. It reflects good strength, coordination, flexibility, and healthy nervous system development.
As children grow, however, that same level of flexibility should naturally reduce. When an older baby, toddler, or school-aged child remains extremely flexible, it may be a sign of something we call joint hypermobility.
What Is Hypermobility?
Hypermobility simply means that a child’s joints move more than expected. This happens because the connective tissues — such as ligaments — that normally provide stability are more elastic.
Some children are naturally flexible and have no difficulties at all. Others, however, may struggle because their bodies have to work much harder to stay stable. These children are not lazy, unfit, or poorly behaved. Their nervous system is constantly compensating for joints that don’t have the usual level of support.
Signs You Might Notice in a Hypermobile Child
Every child is different, but hypermobility can show up in a variety of ways.
Physical signs may include:
Frequent aches or “growing pains”
Tiring easily compared to peers
Poor posture or difficulty sitting upright
Recurrent sprains or minor injuries
Clumsiness or delayed coordination
Difficulty with handwriting or sitting at a desk for long periods
Other common features can include:
Poor body awareness (bumping into furniture or people)
Sensitivity to noise, clothing or textures
Headaches or neck pain
Dizziness or avoiding physical activity
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Tummy aches, constipation or reflux
Bedwetting or urinary urgency
Anxiety or big emotional reactions
Parents often say things like:
“They’ve never been a good sleeper,”
“They’re exhausted after school,” or
“They try so hard, but their body just doesn’t cooperate.”
How Is Hypermobility Identified?
Health professionals may use a simple movement screen called the Beighton score. This involves looking at how easily certain joints bend, such as the fingers, elbows, knees, and spine.
This assessment does not diagnose a condition. Instead, it helps identify whether a child is generally hypermobile and whether extra support may be helpful.
Importantly, genetic conditions such as hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome are not diagnosed in young children. Children’s bodies are still developing, and many naturally become less flexible with age. The focus during childhood is on recognising symptoms early and supporting the child appropriately.
Why Support Matters
In hypermobile children, joints are already very mobile — so the goal is not to stretch or loosen them further.
Supportive care focuses on:
Improving stability
Supporting posture and coordination
Helping the nervous system organise movement more efficiently
We always use gentle, age-appropriate approaches with care tailored specifically to each child to help each kid be their best.
The Bigger Picture
Hypermobility is not just about joints. It reflects how a child’s connective tissues, muscles, and nervous system work together. For some children, this combination makes everyday activities more tiring and challenging — even though they may look “fine” on the outside.
With understanding, reassurance and the right kind of support, hypermobile children will thrive. Early recognition helps parents better understand their child’s needs and helps children feel supported rather than “different.”
A reassuring takeaway for parents
Being flexible isn’t a problem on its own. But when flexibility comes with pain, fatigue, poor sleep, or coordination challenges, it’s worth looking a little deeper. If you’re wondering whether hypermobility may be affecting your child, a gentle assessment and conversation can be a helpful first step.
Remember, we are always here to help.
Yours in Health,
Dorte and The Family Chiro Team
