Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility – Osteopathy in Camberley
Living with hypermobility or hypermobile Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) can mean dealing with frequent aches, joint instability, fatigue and flare‑ups that don’t always make sense. Many people feel they’ve been told “everything is fine” despite ongoing pain, or they’re unsure how to exercise safely without making things worse. That their test results were 'normal' and it is all in their head.
I’m Claire, a registered osteopath based in Camberley – and I have hypermobile Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome myself. I understand first‑hand how complex and frustrating hypermobility can be. As someone who has hEDS, I know how important and hard it can be to feel believed, supported and given realistic, sustainable strategies rather than just quick fixes. In clinic, I work with adults and young people to improve joint stability, manage pain and build confidence in movement, using gentle hands‑on treatment, tailored exercises and practical, realistic advice.
How hypermobility and hEDS can feel day‑to‑day
Everyone with hypermobility or hEDS is different, but common things people tell me about include:
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Aching or sharp pains in multiple joints (e.g. knees, hips, shoulders, spine)
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Joints that feel loose, unstable or as if they might “give way”
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Frequent sprains, subluxations or soft tissue injuries, often for no reason!
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Muscle tension from constantly “holding yourself together”
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Fatigue and feeling “wiped out” after relatively small activities
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Flare‑ups that seem to come out of nowhere
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Worry about making things worse by moving or exercising
You may also experience other symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, digestive issues, dysautonomia or poor sleep. Osteopathy doesn’t directly treat every aspect of hEDS, but it can play a helpful role in managing musculoskeletal pain, improving movement and supporting your overall function. I can help you to understand your body better, making a plan together that is achievable and helps you to reach your goals.
How can osteopathy help with hypermobility and hEDS?
With hypermobility and hEDS, the focus is less on “clicking things back into place” and more on:
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Reducing pain and muscle tension where possible
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Improving joint control and stability
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Helping you feel safer and more confident to move
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Supporting you to pace activities and manage flare‑ups
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Helping you understand your body and why issues maybe happening
In practice, this may include:
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Gentle hands‑on techniques to ease areas that are overworking or guarding
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Soft tissue work to reduce muscle tension and discomfort
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Advice on joint protection and everyday movement strategies
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Gradual, tailored stability and strength exercises
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Guidance on pacing, rest and returning to activities you enjoy
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Listening, believing you and your lived experiences with no judgement just understanding and support
What Osteopathy can't promise
It’s important to be honest: osteopathy can’t change your underlying connective tissue, and it isn’t a “cure” for hEDS. However, many people find that with the right support you can:
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Reduce the intensity and frequency of pain
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Improve how your body feels day‑to‑day
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Build strength and confidence over time
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Feel more in control of your condition
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Give you confidence in managing flare ups without panic
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Understand how your body works
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Explore your body and health with support in a safe space
My aim is always to work with you, not on you – taking your goals, limits and lived experience seriously. If you want an Osteopath that listens, understands and helps you to navigate the world in your more flexible body then I am the one for you.
A collaborative, patient‑centred approach
Because hypermobility and hEDS can be complex, I take time to understand the bigger picture and your experiences:
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Your current symptoms and flare‑up patterns
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Previous injuries, treatments and what has or hasn’t helped
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Your daily demands (work, study, caring, hobbies)
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Your energy levels and any other health conditions
From there, we agree realistic priorities together – for example:
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Reducing pain in one or two key problem areas
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Improving stability around particular joints (e.g. knees, shoulders, spine)
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Building a simple, sustainable exercise routine
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Managing a specific activity or goal (e.g. walking further, sitting more comfortably, returning to a sport or hobby)
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Longer term goals and a flexible roadmap to reaching them
I’ll always explain what I’m doing and why, and you’re encouraged to ask questions or say if something doesn’t feel right for you. There are no such things as silly questions.
What to expect at your appointments
New patient consultation (60 minutes):
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Detailed discussion of your symptoms, history and goals
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Physical and movement assessment tailored to your comfort
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Explanation of what I think is contributing to your symptoms
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Gentle hands‑on treatment where appropriate
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Initial advice and simple exercises, if suitable
Follow‑up appointments (30 minutes):
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Review of how you’ve been since the last session
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Ongoing hands‑on treatment as needed
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Progression or adaptation of exercises and strategies
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Space to adjust the plan based on your energy and life demands
Longer Follow up or online sessions are available on request.
How many appointments will I need?
This varies a lot between individuals. Some people come for a short block of sessions to work on a specific issue; others find regular or occasional appointments helpful as part of their long‑term management.
We’ll discuss this openly and review regularly – there’s no pressure to block book, and you’re always in control of how often you come.
Osteopathy for hypermobility and hEDS in Camberley – book an appointment
My clinic is based in Camberley, and I see patients from Frimley, Farnborough, Sandhurst, Bagshot and the surrounding areas. Appointments are available Tuesday to Saturday, with same‑week availability in many cases.
If you’re living with hypermobility or hEDS and would like support with pain, stability or movement, I’d be happy to help.
The quickest way to book is online – you can see all available appointment times and choose what suits you:
If you’re unsure whether osteopathy is right for you, or you’d like to discuss your situation first, you’re welcome to call or WhatsApp 07837 635585 or email claire@cfosteopathy.co.uk.
I do also offer online consultations for patients who can't travel or live too far away. These sessions include all the aspects of a normal session without the hands on treatment. These sessions can still help you to understand your body and create a plan with more exercise focused treatment. If you are interested in an online session please get in contact with me to arrange one.
Related helpful resources for hEDS
Zebra Club App : A fantastic app for hypermobile people providing a community, education and exercise/rehab videos that are specifically created for EDS people.
Joo Westwood Integrative Health Coach: An experienced health coach who can help you navigate the NHS, private healthcare and understand your body better.
She also runs the Woking support group and organises industry specialists to present and chat too.
Ehlers Danlos Society: A chairty dedicated to all things EDS. Provides support and education to all. They also provide local support groups that meet online and in person. Find your zebra community. The local groups are Guildford and Woking.
