Hypermobility

There are many different types and expressions of hypermobility that can impact children and adults. Hypermobility means that a joint or joints have excess range of motion. When this happens, it can be harder to control our movements and make people susceptible to pain or injury. Dislocations can be particularly common in people with hypermobility. Sometimes people may just have one or a few hypermobile areas, othertimes it may be their whole body. Our muscles can often compensate for the hypermobility and become tight which masks the underlying excessive joint movement.

There is also a group of conditions called "Ehlers Danlos Syndrome" or EDS where the tissue laxity impacts more than just joints. They may present with digestive concerns, cardiac conditions, skin laxity and other impacts to their overall health.

What can a physiotherapist do?

Physiotherapists can help hypermobile people understand their body better through movement education. We also work to increase stability, muscle control, proprioception and strength. Hypermobile people don't need to be afraid of the excess motion but we want to be able to control it and not stay at the end of your range of motion for extended periods.

Depending on your goals and presentation, we tailor programs to your unique body. We may work in the context of a specific sport/activity or occupation.

We also want to aim to stay below the pain threshold as much as possible. This may not always mean a 0/10, especially if you experience pain at rest. But we want to work within your body's tolerance to strengthen without causing a flare up of pain.

Do you have questions about physiotherapy for hypermobility? Send us a message or book online!