Hypermobility

Hypermobility and Physiotherapy

Hypermobility means that one or more joints can move beyond the typical range of movement. This is often related to increased elasticity in the ligaments and connective tissues, and can simply mean that someone is naturally more flexible.

For some people, hypermobility causes no problems at all. For others, it can be associated with pain, fatigue, instability or difficulties with movement and everyday activities.

At Positive Steps, we provide personalised physiotherapy to help children and adults with hypermobility build strength, improve joint stability and feel more confident in their movement.

What Are the Different Types of Hypermobility?

Hypermobility can affect people in different ways:

• Generalised hypermobility – increased joint movement across multiple areas of the body.

• Localised hypermobility – increased movement affecting one or a small number of joints.

• Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) – when hypermobility is associated with symptoms such as pain, fatigue or joint instability.

• Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) – a genetic connective tissue condition associated with widespread joint hypermobility and other symptoms.

Being hypermobile does not automatically mean someone has a medical condition. An assessment can help understand whether hypermobility is contributing to difficulties

What Are the Symptoms of Hypermobility?

Some people with hypermobility have no symptoms, while others may experience:

• Joints that bend or stretch further than expected

• Joint pain or discomfort

• Muscle aches and stiffness

• Joint instability or a feeling that joints are "giving way"

• Frequent sprains or dislocations

• Muscle fatigue

• Poor balance or coordination

• Difficulty maintaining posture

• Reduced confidence with physical activity

Some people may also experience wider symptoms such as fatigue or digestive difficulties.

How Can Physiotherapy Help With Hypermobility?

Physiotherapy is an important part of managing symptomatic hypermobility.

The aim is not to make hypermobile joints less flexible, but to help the muscles around them become stronger and more supportive, improving stability and control.

At Positive Steps, physiotherapy may include:

Strength and Stability

We use progressive strengthening exercises to improve the muscles that support hypermobile joints and help improve joint stability.

Balance and Coordination

Balance and movement-control exercises can help improve proprioception — your body's awareness of where your joints are — and build confidence with movement.

Movement and Posture

We can work on how you move, sit, stand and complete everyday activities to reduce unnecessary strain on your joints.

Pain Management

We can help you understand your pain and develop strategies such as pacing, appropriate exercise and activity modification to manage symptoms.

Building Physical Confidence

For children and adults who have become worried about movement because of pain or previous injuries, physiotherapy can provide a safe way to gradually build strength and confidence.

Managing Hypermobility

Managing hypermobility is about finding the right balance between movement, strengthening, activity and recovery.

Depending on your needs, support may also involve other professionals such as doctors or occupational therapists.

How Positive Steps Can Help

At Positive Steps, we understand that hypermobility can look very different from one person to another.

We will assess your individual movement, strength, balance and symptoms and create a physiotherapy programme around what you want to achieve and what matters to you.

Our aim is to help you become stronger, more stable and more confident in your body, so that hypermobility does not have to limit the things you enjoy doing.

If you or your child are experiencing pain, fatigue, instability or difficulties with movement related to hypermobility, get in touch with the Positive Steps team to find out how physiotherapy could help.