Hypermobility and Fascia: Could Your Connective Tissue Be Why You’re Still Stuck? | E183

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In this Made for Health minisode, Dr. Aaron Hartman continues exploring the question at the center of this series: Why are you still sick? Why does your body seem stuck even after addressing so many other pieces?
This time, he turns to something that connects nearly every structure in the body but often receives far less attention: fascia and connective tissue.
Dr. Hartman explains that fascia helps support organs, tissues, joints, nerves, and other structures throughout the body. For people with hypermobility, those tissues may be more lax or stretchy, which he believes can influence everything from joint stability and pain to nervous-system activation and complex chronic illness. Pasted text
And hypermobility doesn't always mean someone can still perform obvious “double-jointed” tricks. Dr. Hartman explains that people who were very flexible when younger may become increasingly tight and painful as they age because the surrounding fascia can stiffen and develop areas of restriction—even while certain joints remain hypermobile. Pasted text
Key Topics Covered
Why fascia and connective tissue may be an overlooked part of chronic illness
What hypermobility actually means
Why hypermobility is more than being “double-jointed”
The relationship between fascia and the nervous system
Why loose connective tissue may increase sensory input to the brain
Hypermobility as both a potential strength and vulnerability
Why hypermobile people may become tighter with age
Fascia, pain, and nervous-system activation
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome versus the broader hypermobility spectrum
The Pentad Super Syndrome discussed by Dr. Hartman
Hypermobility and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Hypermobility and POTS/dysautonomia
Gastrointestinal issues and connective tissue
Autoimmune conditions and hypermobility
Associations with ADHD, autism, OCD, and other neuropsychiatric conditions discussed in the episode
Bruising, bleeding, joint instability, and sports injuries
Nutrition and connective-tissue repair
Protein and collagen
Vitamin C and collagen production
Trace minerals and connective-tissue health
Bone broth, organ meats, and mineral-rich foods
Why childhood flexibility history may matter in adults
The Beighton score as a screening tool
In This Episode, You Will Learn
✅ Why connective tissue may deserve more attention when chronic symptoms aren't improving
✅ Why hypermobility affects more than just joints
✅ How Dr. Hartman connects fascia with sensory signaling and nervous-system activation
✅ Why someone can be hypermobile and still feel extremely stiff as an adult
✅ How hypermobility may overlap with POTS, dysautonomia, mast-cell activation, gastrointestinal problems, and autoimmune issues
✅ Why childhood flexibility can provide important clues even if you are no longer flexible today
✅ Why hypermobile athletes may sometimes experience repeated injuries despite being strong and highly trained
✅ Why Dr. Hartman pays particular attention to protein, collagen, vitamin C, and mineral status in hypermobile patients
✅ How the Beighton score can help identify physical signs associated with hypermobility
Resources & Links:
🌐 Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
🌐 LinkedIn – Dr. Aaron Hartman: Connect Here
📺 YouTube – Richmond Functional Medicine: Watch Here
🎒 Back-to-School 2026: Back-to-School Bundle
Mentioned in this episode:
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