Hypermobility

Our team of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapist, and Pain Psychologists are here to support you with the musculoskeletal symptoms of your hypermobility.

What is Joint Hypermobility?

 

Hypermobility is when joints are hyper flexible and have a larger range of movement or bendiness than usual. Sometimes people may refer to it as being ‘double jointed’.

Hypermobility can affect anyone of any age but can be more noticeable in children and adolescents.

Hypermobility can be hereditary, and it is thought be due to changes in a protein called ‘collagen’. Collagen is found throughout the body, for example in skin, muscle tendons and ligaments, collectively this is known as the connective tissue. Changes in these connective tissues can allow joints to bend more as these tissues become more easily stretched and loose.

Hypermobility can affect one or various joints and it is believed at least 1 in 4 people can be affected. However, many people do not experience any difficulties, this is called asymptomatic hypermobility.

Hypermobility can affect the body in several ways. Common symptoms can include:

  • Joint Pain
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent injuries, including dislocations, partial dislocations and sprains
  • Clumsiness (poor proprioception)
  • Issues with bladder, bowel and the pelvic floor (constipation, irritable bowel syndrome-IBS, prolapse, incontinence)
  • Issues with fainting and dizziness when standing (autonomic nervous system)
  • Stretchy skin
  • Abnormal scarring/ poor wound heeling
  • Digestive issues (constipation and IBS)
  • Easy bruising
  • Clicky/clunky joints

 

Physiotherapy can play a big role in helping people manage hypermobility over the long term. Things like body awareness, balance (proprioception), and strengthening muscles can really help manage symptoms.

 

We hope the information below is useful for people with musculoskeletal symptoms associated with their hypermobility including those who have a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder (HSD).

 

 

 

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