The Cycle of Doom (And How We Start to Break It)

If you live with hypermobility, chances are this story will feel familiar: pain shows up, inflammation sticks around, movement decreases, and suddenly you’re feeling disconnected from your body and exhausted from trying to “push through.” It’s not just frustrating… It's relentless.

At BAR Therapies, we hear this pattern over and over again. So much so, we’ve given it a name (with a little humor to take the sting out of it): The Cycle of Doom.

Here’s what it tends to look like:

For some people with hypermobility, the cycle can start with dysautonomia, when the body is working overtime to maintain basic balance (homeostasis). That extra energy output leads to real, bone-deep fatigue. When that fatigue hits hard, it makes perfect sense to be cautious. Many of our patients begin to ask:

What if I do too much? What if moving makes it worse?

That’s where kinesiophobia (the fear of movement) can quietly settle in.

As movement decreases, the muscles that support your hypermobile joints begin to weaken. That loss of strength makes those already-loose joints with less muscular support. More slipping, sliding, and instability… which your body now has to work even harder to manage.

And so the nervous system gets overwhelmed. Again.

Back to square one.

Our bodies need consistent, functional movement to stay supported, and that’s especially true when you’re living in a hypermobile body.

But here’s what we want you to know:

This cycle can be interrupted. It can be softened. And yes, the cycle can be broken.

Is it easy? Not really.

Is it possible? Absolutely.

And here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone.

At BAR Therapies, we work together to rebuild strength, confidence, and safety in movement. We focus especially on gently challenging kinesiophobia, helping you learn how to work with your body, not against it. With a trauma-informed approach, we start exactly where you are. No shame. No pressure. Just compassionate care and a team that’s rooting for you.

This is a space where your lived experience is valid. Where pacing is respected. Where ALL wins matter.

So if getting to the mailbox feels like running a marathon, let’s talk about it. Let’s take the first step toward change together.

You are not too fragile. You are not broken.

You are resilient, complex, and worth every ounce of support it takes to feel better in your body.

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About the Author

Allyson Barnes, PT, DPT is the founder of BAR Therapies and BAR Institute. She is a physical therapist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of symptomatic hypermobility and related connective tissue disorders. Through The Floppy Files, Allyson translates complex research into practical, evidence-informed education that helps patients, families, and healthcare professionals better understand hypermobility and participate more fully in everyday life. Learn more about Allyson, explore more articles in The Floppy Files, or browse continuing education courses through BAR Institute.

This content is intended for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for individualized evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific health concerns.