Staying Active Safely: Summer Travel & Exercise Tips for People with Hypermobility and Pelvic Health Concerns

Summer brings sunshine, vacations, and opportunities to enjoy more movement—but if you’re living with hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS/HSD), pelvic floor dysfunction, or related conditions like POTS or MCAS, it’s important to approach the season with care. At Intrinsic Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping people with complex conditions move safely and feel empowered. Here are our top tips for navigating travel, heat, and activity this summer.

1. Support Your Body During Travel

Long car rides and flights can be tough on hypermobile joints and the pelvic floor. To stay comfortable:

• Use lumbar or coccyx cushions to maintain proper alignment and reduce strain.

• Move every 1–2 hours—stretch, walk, or gently shift positions.

• Consider compression garments, especially for those with POTS, to support circulation and reduce fatigue.

2. Stay Hydrated (and Salt Smart!)

Hydration affects everything from joint health to blood pressure regulation.

• Drink water consistently throughout the day, especially in the heat.

• Add electrolytes or a pinch of salt, if recommended by your provider, to improve fluid retention and help with symptoms like dizziness or fatigue.

3. Choose Low-Impact, Joint-Friendly Activities

Staying active doesn’t have to mean high intensity. Some of our favorite summer-safe options:

• Swimming or water therapy: supportive and easy on the joints.

• Walking with trekking poles: offers added stability and reduces joint strain.

• Gentle, modified yoga or Pilates: builds control and core strength—key for both joint and pelvic stability.

Need guidance? We can help you tailor movement plans to your body’s needs.

4. Manage Heat and Fatigue

Heat can worsen symptoms for many with dysautonomia or connective tissue disorders. Be proactive:

• Exercise early or later in the day when it’s cooler.

• Pack cooling tools—fans, towels, or portable ice packs.

• Listen to your body. Rest is a form of prevention, not a setback.

5. Your Summer Symptom Toolkit

Before you head out, pack some basics to help manage flares and discomfort:

✅ Compression gear

✅ Medications and supplements

✅ Portable heat or ice packs

✅ Supportive footwear and braces

✅ Pelvic care tools (e.g., TENS, dilators, if part of your care)

✅ Snacks and water for energy and hydration

Let Intrinsic Support Your Summer

At Intrinsic Physical Therapy, we understand the complexities of hypermobility, pelvic health, and their related conditions. Whether you're planning a trip, adjusting your exercise routine, or just trying to enjoy summer with fewer symptoms, we're here to help you feel confident and supported.

Ready for personalized strategies or a mid-summer check-in?

Call us to schedule an appointment—we’d love to support you this season.