Bendy Bendy Me.

Not sure if you are aware - I have Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS).

I have seen a physiotherapist that specialises in these conditions and I scored a 10/10 for the Beighton (Score) Test.

The Beighton score is measured by adding 1 point for each of the following:

• Placing flat hands on the floor with straight legs
• Left knee bending backward
• Right knee bending backward
• Left elbow bending backward
• Right elbow bending backward
• Left thumb touching the forearm
• Right thumb touching the forearm
• Left little finger bending backward past 90 degrees
• Right little finger bending backward past 90 degrees

A Score of > 4 is extreme hypermobile.

These are just some of the photos I have taken over the last few years.








Thumbs can be twisted around 270 degrees (and be placed on the back of the hand)



Large toe touches little toe easily



Random bruising after long runs



Physical symptoms of JHS (for me) include:

• Unexplained bruises appearing out of no where (see photo)
• Stretch marks
• Dry mouth, constant thirst and cravings of salty foods
• Uncomfortable standing or sitting for long periods
• Sit with my legs/feet up - if I am required to sit for long periods of time - I am more comfortable sitting cross legged (e.g. during exams)
• Difficulties in breathing especially in cold weather
• Digestive problems (lead to previously misdiagnosis of IBS)

Loose joints causes an increase strain on nearby soft tissue and this is apparent around my hips, knees, ankles and shoulders. Strain around my neck has been more noticeable within the past 4 years with my triathlon training. My lower back pains are attributed from ligaments which should support and stabilise my spine, putting extra strain on the muscles to try and support the lower half of my body.

JHS also leads to my constant need to crack all my joints all the time - this is most frequent for my neck, shoulders, toes and ankles (a dozen times an hour), less frequently my fingers (several times a day).
As a triathlete, I do have to take note on how my body reacts with the training load. Things I have notices are:

• My (leg) muscles are noticeably sore (DOMS) after each run session and it lasts longer than most people.
• I do need to relieve my shoulders (by pressing my shoulder blades together) on the bike frequently as I am not able to sustain the aero position for long periods
• Pilates has helped with my core strength and my lower back pains have decreased
• Running in minimalist shoes have increased the strength of my ankles and feet (no shin splints for over 12 months)
• I need to have remedial massages and dry needling to relieve muscle tightness on a regular basis
• I have been advised to not do too much stretching as it elongates my joints - avoid yoga but bikram yoga is ok but advise the teacher.

So for the next few months whilst my training load increases, I will have to watch out for any signs of strain and remediate them as soon as possible. I have also changed my private health insurance to Fit Insurance and this will allow me to have regular massages (increase in frequency and decrease in out of pocket expenses) as well as having more rebates the more events I enter - WIN WIN!