IMM and Reformer Pilates: Supportive Movement for EDS and Hypermobility
IMM and Reformer Pilates: Supportive Movement for EDS and Hypermobility
The Integral Movement Method (IMM), created by movement therapist Jeannie Di Bon, was developed specifically for people living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD). Traditional exercise can often exacerbate pain, fatigue, or instability in hypermobile bodies, so IMM offers a different approach, one built around six core principles: breath, relaxation, proprioception, stability, balance, and posture. Structured through five stages, Unwind, Explore, Assess, Refine, and Reflect, IMM provides a clear framework to move safely, retrain faulty movement patterns, and restore confidence in the body. Rather than pushing for more range of motion, it emphasises stability first, helping individuals feel calm, supported, and in control of their movements.
Interestingly, many of IMM’s guiding ideas mirror the foundations of reformer Pilates. Both are principle-driven movement systems that prioritize quality over quantity, controlled range of motion, and mindful body awareness. On the reformer, adjustable springs and straps create resistance and feedback, helping clients develop proprioception and build strength without overstretching, just as IMM encourages safe movement within functional ranges. Both methods also place a strong emphasis on core stability, alignment, and adaptability to individual needs, making them ideal for hypermobile bodies that require extra care and precision.
Recent research also supports Pilates as a beneficial approach for people with hypermobility disorders. A 2024 qualitative study found that participants in an 8-week online Pilates program designed for hypermobility reported improvements in both physical symptoms (like stability and control) and mind-body outcomes (such as confidence and reduced fear of movement). Crucially, participants highlighted the importance of tailored, hypermobility-specific teaching for achieving these benefits.
This overlap means that for those who may not have access to IMM-based teaching, modified reformer Pilates can serve as an excellent alternative. When guided by an instructor who understands hypermobility, reformer sessions can deliver many of the same benefits: improved stability, better posture, stronger proprioception, and greater confidence in everyday movement. Ultimately, IMM provides the framework tailored to EDS and HSD, while reformer Pilates offers a practical, accessible way to bring these principles to life, turning exercise into a safe, empowering experience rather than a source of fear or frustration.
References
- Di Bon, J. (2024). Pilates for Hypermobility & EDS.
- McCaffrey, N., et al. (2024). A qualitative study exploring the experiences of people with hypermobility disorders in an online Pilates exercise programme. PubMed.