What is Joint Hypermobility? ?

  • When a joint has more range of motion than is expected or normal. 
  • It can also come with joint instability, which causes more movement in the joint and an inability for the bones to securely stay in place.    
  • Joint Hypermobility can lead to subluxations, dislocations, sprains, strains, and other injuries. 

What is Hypermobility Ehler's Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)?

  • hEDS is a connective tissue disorder that can affect various parts of the body including joints, skin, bone, blood vessels, and organs. 
  • Connective tissue creates support, protection, and structure and is found throughout the body. 
  • The amount and type and severity of symptoms a person with EDS presents varies from every individual.  
  • Symptoms of hEDS can include chronic fatigue, GI issues, dysautonomia, headaches, and even mast cell activation diseases. 

How PT can help with hypermobility:

  • Retrain joint awareness (proprioception) to facilitate muscle activation and support and allow for better movement. 
  • Instruct in breath work to help improve parasympathetic system control and stabilization. This may also aid in better GI and immune function. 
  • Posture work to aid in stability. 
  • Provide strengthening and stabilization exercises tailored to each person’s presentation and degree of hypermobility. Two patients with EDS may be doing different exercises/activities in therapy based on their body and evaluation findings.  
  • Teach an individual how to use their hypermobile body for better quality of life.