Joint hypermobility is common and, for many people, causes no problems. For others, excessive joint mobility can contribute to ongoing pain, recurrent injuries, fatigue and reduced participation in work, sport and everyday life. Some people may meet the criteria for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), and may also experience associated conditions such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
During your Physiotherapy assessment, we take a whole-body approach and may assess:
- Joint mobility and stability
- Strength, balance and movement patterns
- Pain and injury history
- Fatigue, exercise tolerance and pacing
- Breathing and pressure management
- Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction (including POTS)
- Lifestyle factors, work, sport and personal goals
Treatment is individualised and may include:
- Education to better understand your condition
- Progressive strength and conditioning
- Movement retraining and proprioception exercises
- Pacing and energy management strategies
- Balance and functional rehabilitation
- Manual therapy, taping or bracing where appropriate
- Individualised home exercise programs
- Referral to other healthcare professionals when indicated
Our physiotherapists provide evidence-based, person-centred care, working collaboratively to improve confidence in movement, reduce symptom flare-ups and increase participation in the activities that matter most to you. The goal is to provide you with the knowledge, tools and long-term strategies to manage your condition independently and achieve your lifestyle goals.
As hypermobility disorders can affect multiple body systems, your physiotherapist will also screen for features that may warrant further medical investigation or referral to other members of your healthcare team.