Living with hypermobility can feel like a constant balancing act – literally and figuratively. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or experience generalized joint hypermobility, managing joint pain, instability, fatigue, and even autonomic dysfunction can be a daily challenge.

The good news? A physical therapist assessing your individual needs can help you find the right adaptive equipment that can significantly reduce strain, improve alignment, support autonomic regulation, and help you stay active and functional.

Below, we highlight a range of supportive tools that can make a meaningful difference.

1. Posture Support

Postural muscles often fatigue throughout the day with hypermobility. Posture supports can provide proprioceptive feedback and gentle alignment cues.

  • Forme Posture Bras: Designed to improve thoracic alignment and reduce upper back and shoulder fatigue.
  • AlignMed Posture Garments: Use tension bands to activate key postural muscles and retrain movement patterns.
  • Body Braid: Full body support across multiple joints
  • CWX Apparel: Joint support clothing items

These are particularly useful during desk work, childcare, or activities involving prolonged standing or sitting.

2. Ring Splints for Finger Joint Stability

Frequent finger subluxations or hyperextension can interfere with daily tasks like writing, typing, and cooking.

  • Silver ring splints (custom) or Oval-8 splints (adjustable plastic) can stabilize finger joints while maintaining mobility.

These are commonly used on PIP, DIP, or thumb joints and can be worn selectively during repetitive tasks. We can help you figure out the best configuration for your specific needs!

3. Bracing for Joint Support

Bracing can play a key role in supporting hypermobile joints, reducing pain, and preventing injury – especially during repetitive tasks or flare-ups. Braces provide external stability to joints that may otherwise move beyond a safe range of motion.

Common bracing options include:

  • Wrist braces – For joint stability during typing, lifting, or pushing (e.g., strollers, carts).
  • Knee braces or compression sleeves – To support patellar tracking, reduce instability, or manage pain during walking, exercising or standing.
  • Ankle supports – Especially helpful to prevent or after sprains and when navigating uneven terrain.
  • Back or SI joint belts – For core and pelvic support, particularly helpful postpartum or during prolonged standing.

Braces may be over-the-counter for general use or custom-fitted for more complex needs. The key is to use bracing strategically – for specific activities or during symptom flares – while still promoting strength and mobility through therapeutic exercise.

4. Ergonomic Workstation Tools

An ergonomic workspace is essential for managing muscle fatigue and joint pain when in a position for prolonged periods of time.

Helpful tools include:

  • Adjustable ergonomic chairs with lumbar support
  • Footrests to reduce hip strain and improve alignment or reduce lower body blood pooling
  • Split keyboards to reduce wrist and finger hyperextension
  • Vertical mice or trackballs for better thumb/wrist positioning
  • Sit-stand desks to reduce prolonged static postures

Small changes to your setup can significantly reduce discomfort during work hours.

5. Adaptive Kitchen Implements

Everyday kitchen tasks like chopping, opening jars, or gripping utensils can be challenging (and even painful) for people with hypermobility, joint instability, or fatigue. Adaptive kitchen tools help reduce joint strain, improve grip, and make meal prep more manageable.

Some helpful tools include:

  • Ergonomic utensils – Wide, non-slip handles on knives, peelers, and forks reduce finger and wrist strain. Look for tools marketed for arthritis-friendly use.
  • Jar and bottle openers – Electric or manual openers eliminate the need for strong grip or wrist torque. Silicone jar grips are inexpensive and effective.
  • Cut-resistant gloves – Useful for those with decreased proprioception or finger instability to prevent injury during chopping.
  • Lightweight cookware – Non-stick, aluminum, or ceramic pans with helper handles reduce the need for gripping heavy items. The Pan Buddy can be a life saver for lifting pans!
  • High stools or anti-fatigue mats – Provide seated prep options or reduce lower body strain when standing for longer periods.

Small modifications in the kitchen can support independence, reduce the risk of injury, and make cooking feel more accessible and less exhausting.

6. Heart Rate Tracking Devices (for Autonomic Monitoring and Activity Pacing)

Many people with hypermobility also experience autonomic nervous system dysfunction, such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Monitoring heart rate, heart rate variability, and recovery can help guide activity pacing, identify flares, and reduce post-exertional symptoms.

Popular HR and recovery tracking tools include:

  • Whoop: Offers detailed heart rate variability (HRV), strain scores, sleep tracking, and recovery insights. Excellent for understanding how daily exertion affects your body and guiding rest needs.
  • Apple Watch: Tracks real-time HR, detects irregular rhythms, logs symptoms, and provides HR alerts when your heart rate exceeds personalized thresholds.
  • Oura Ring: Lightweight and discreet, this ring monitors HRV, resting heart rate, sleep quality, and recovery. Great for those wanting 24/7 insights without a bulky device.
  • Garmin Wearables: Provide customizable training zones, pulse oximetry, stress tracking, and activity metrics – ideal for active users managing fitness or endurance.
  • Visible: A newer platform specifically designed with chronic illness pacing in mind. It offers daily HRV tracking, exertion scoring, and recovery trends, making it especially useful for individuals with POTS, ME/CFS, or post-viral conditions co-occurring with hypermobility.

These devices can help you avoid crashes, monitor fluid/salt intake impact, and find patterns in symptom flares – empowering you to move more confidently and intentionally throughout your day.

7. Compression Garments for Autonomic Function

For individuals with hypermobility – especially those with co-occurring POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) or other forms of dysautonomia — compression wear can be a game changer.

Compression garments help reduce blood pooling in the lower extremities and improve venous return during standing, walking, or exertion. This can lead to improved energy, reduced dizziness, and better tolerance of upright activity.

Popular options include:

  • Medical-grade compression leggings or tights – Look for graduated compression (20–30 mmHg or as prescribed) for the best effect. Brands like Jobst, Juzo, Vim&Virgr and Sigvaris are often recommended.
  • Waist-high compression – More effective than socks alone, as they support abdominal blood flow, which is especially helpful in POTS. This can be high waisted leggings or a combination of thigh or knee high socks and abdominal compression.
  • Compression shorts or abdominal binders – Great for milder support or for pairing with loose clothing.
  • Compression socks – A good starting point for those easing into use or needing lighter support at work or during travel.

While they can take some time to get used to, compression garments are one of the most evidence-supported tools for managing autonomic symptoms – especially when paired with hydration, electrolyte intake, and pacing.

Final Thoughts

Adaptive equipment isn’t about limiting your life — it’s about supporting it. With the right tools, you can reduce injury risk, improve comfort, and maintain your independence and activity levels.

A physical therapist at Set can help you navigate which of these tools might be most appropriate for your specific needs, ensuring that you’re supported in a way that fits your lifestyle and goals. There is no one size fits all approach!

Do you have a favorite adaptive tool or pacing strategy that’s helped with hypermobility or autonomic symptoms? Share your experience in the comments or tag us on social media – we’d love to hear from you!