What is joint hypermobility syndrome?

           Joint hypermobility syndrome is an inherited condition that includes excessive flexibility in joints along with pain and other various symptoms. It is a connective tissue disorder. Connective tissues like ligaments hold our joints together and keep them from moving too much out of the normal range. In people with this disorder, these connective tissues are abnormal (Loose/weak).

Difference between Hypermobility and Hypermobility syndrome:

Joint hypermobility is common in people, it means our joints are moving beyond normal range and are more flexible than others. But this doesn’t cause any pain or medical issues. On the other side, in some people, this hypermobility leads to joint pain, joint or ligament injuries, fatigue, recurrent sprains, and other symptoms. And this is called Joint hypermobility syndrome.

Common population to have this syndrome:

• Children>Adults reduce with age.

• Girls>Boys

• Asian, African, and middle eastern people

Clinical presentation:

• Recurrent joint, and ligament injuries: Dislocation, sprains

• Clumsiness

• Poor balance

• Bruising

• Fractures

• Joint instability

• Chronic fatigue

• Joint swelling

• Pelvic dysfunction

• Bladder and bowel issues

Physiotherapy management:

The major goal of physiotherapy treatment is to work on muscle inhibition, atrophy, and reduced joint control caused by joint pain and hypermobility. Various treatments are used to treat and manage this syndrome:

• Education of hypermobility syndrome

• Activity modification

• Strengthening program

• Manual therapy

• Stretching program

• Proprioception exercises

• Motion control exercises

• Balance exercises

Written by: Anjali Patel. Registered Physiotherapist Resident. Orthopaedic Physiotherapist. Concussion Management

Integrative Physiotherapy, Empowering Patients with Personalized Care.

Integrative Physiotherapy is a Barrie-based clinic that believes in a one-on-one patient-centered, manual therapy (hands-on) approach to physiotherapy. We aim to empower our patients by providing quality care that is personalized to each patient in an interactive and friendly manner. Through the use of the best available treatment techniques, we aim to provide exceptional care so that each patient feels engaged and motivated.

Our therapists are continually upgrading their skills and taking time to provide comprehensive assessment and treatment techniques that are always one on one without the use of assistants or double booking patients to make sure that you achieve your functional and sports goals as soon as possible.

Our therapists would be happy to help you to achieve your goals, get in touch to schedule your appointment. Don’t let pain ruin your day!