What does it really mean to be hypermobile—and when does being “just bendy” become something more?
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we are joined by Sharon Hennessey, award-winning Australian physiotherapist, founder of The Hypermobility Project, and principal of Not Just Bendy Hypermobility Services. With nearly 30 years of clinical experience and lived experience as both an individual and parent navigating hypermobility, Sharon brings a unique and deeply practical perspective to this often misunderstood condition.
Together, we unpack the foundations of hypermobility, exploring what it is, why it occurs, and how it can affect children and teenagers during key stages of growth and development. Sharon shares her expertise in recognising the signs that may indicate a young person needs additional support, discusses the difference between generalised joint hypermobility and conditions such as Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), and explains why these presentations are frequently overlooked or misunderstood.
Whether you’re a parent, healthcare professional, coach, teacher, or someone living with hypermobility, this episode provides an evidence-informed introduction to the challenges and strengths that can accompany hypermobility in childhood and adolescence.
Looking for hypermobility friendly clinicians? Check out the below directories:
https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/healthcare-professionals-directory/ https://potsfoundation.org.au/clinician-directory/
For amazing hypermobility resources, courses and tools please check out the below websites:
https://www.notjustbendy.com/blog/
https://hypermobilityproject.com/clinician-tools
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