Hypermobility is a generalized term to describe a congenital disorder marked by loose ligaments and connective tissues. Hypermobility may be associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, but it can also exist on its own.

It isn’t uncommon to have extra flexible joints, but if those joints can move far beyond the normal range of motion, it can injure ligaments, tendons, and structures within the joints, leading to pain and disability.

What is hypermobility?

Hypermobility often manifests as repeated injuries to multiple joints, such as ankles, shoulders, and the spine. People who have hypermobile joints will often sprain them or subluxate them with little to no trauma to the joint.

Even in the absence of injury, people with hypermobility may experience joint pain, muscle tightness, and a lack of joint awareness or control.

How can physical therapy help?

Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage hypermobile joints.

An experienced physical therapist can work with you to employ some strategies to manage pain and joint mobility.

  • Strengthening: Maximizing strength of the muscles around the hypermobile joints is crucial to providing stability, since often the ligaments of the joint are too loose.
  • Taping: There are a few taping techniques that can help to provide feedback to the joints and external stability.
  • Manual therapy: Often, muscles surrounding hypermobile joints will spasm and create intense pain and disability. Utilizing manual therapy techniques, including dry needling, can relieve the spasm and manage joint pain.
  • Balance training: When joints are not stable, balancing or being aware of their position is difficult as the feedback mechanism in the joints is impaired. Practicing balance activities in a safe environment can help to retrain the joints and surrounding tissues.

If you are experiencing joint or muscle pain due to hypermobile joints, contact your local SetPT today. One of our experienced physical therapists can help you formulate a plan for decreasing your pain and improving your function!