Hypermobility
Hypermobility is a condition where joints move beyond the normal range of motion due to increased flexibility in ligaments and connective tissues. This increased flexibility can reduce joint stability and make individuals more prone to injuries and joint pain. Physiotherapy helps strengthen the muscles around hypermobile joints, improve stability, and reduce the risk of injury.
What is Hypermobility?
Hypermobility occurs when the connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons are more elastic than normal, allowing joints to move excessively. This happens because the collagen fibers in the connective tissue are less firm, resulting in reduced joint support.
While some individuals may not experience symptoms, others may develop joint pain, instability, and frequent injuries, especially during physical activity.
Hypermobility can affect both children and adults and may involve multiple joints in the body.
Causes
Hypermobility is most commonly caused by genetic factors affecting connective tissue strength.
Common causes include:
- Hereditary joint laxity
- Abnormal collagen structure
- Connective tissue disorders
- Previous ligament injuries that overstretch the joint
- Structural differences in the shape of bone ends
- Rapid growth during childhood or adolescence
These factors allow joints to move beyond their normal limits, increasing the risk of injury.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hypermobility can vary depending on how much joint instability is present.
Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain during or after activity
- Frequent sprains or soft tissue injuries
- Joint instability or joints “giving way”
- Muscle fatigue around affected joints
- Clicking or popping sounds in joints
- Reduced joint control or coordination
- Increased risk of early joint degeneration
Some individuals may only notice symptoms during physical activity or exercise.
What Should I Do?
If you suspect hypermobility or experience repeated joint pain or instability, it is important to seek professional assessment.
Diagnosis is often performed using the Beighton Score, a clinical test used to measure joint flexibility.
To be classified as hypermobile, an individual usually scores four or more points out of nine on this assessment.
Early physiotherapy intervention can help prevent injuries and improve joint stability.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Physiotherapy plays a key role in managing hypermobility by improving muscle strength and joint stability.
At ACE Physio Sports, physiotherapists perform a comprehensive assessment before designing a personalised rehabilitation programme.
Treatment may include:
Strengthening Exercises
Targeted exercises strengthen muscles around the joints to improve stability.
Aerobic Exercise Programmes
Low-impact exercises help improve overall fitness without placing excessive strain on the joints.
Lifestyle Advice
Education on posture, activity modification, and safe movement patterns.
Pain Management Techniques
Modalities such as TENS, interferential therapy, or pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) may be used to reduce pain.
Acupuncture
In some cases, acupuncture may be used to help relieve muscle tension and discomfort.
Self-Management Strategies
Patients are guided on exercises and strategies to manage their condition independently.
These treatments help protect the joints and reduce the risk of injury.
What Shouldn’t I Do?
If you have hypermobility, certain activities can increase joint strain.
Avoid:
- Overstretching joints beyond their normal limits
- High-impact activities without proper strengthening
- Ignoring persistent joint pain
- Repetitive movements that stress unstable joints
- Excessive physical activity without proper conditioning
Proper physiotherapy guidance helps maintain safe activity levels.
Long-Term Effects or Recovery
With proper physiotherapy and strengthening programmes, many individuals with hypermobility can live active and healthy lives.
Physiotherapy helps:
- Improve joint stability
- Reduce joint pain and fatigue
- Prevent frequent injuries
- Improve coordination and balance
- Reduce the risk of early osteoarthritis
Preventative physiotherapy strategies are particularly important for long-term joint health.
Why Choose ACE Physio Sports
At ACE Physio Sports, we provide specialised physiotherapy programmes for hypermobility and joint instability.
Our physiotherapy approach includes:
- Detailed joint mobility assessments
- Personalised strengthening programmes
- Balance and coordination training
- Pain management strategies
- Education on joint protection and injury prevention
Our goal is to help patients improve stability, reduce pain, and maintain an active lifestyle safely.
Book Appointment
If you are experiencing symptoms of hypermobility, our physiotherapists at ACE Physio Sports can help.
Website https://acephysiosport.com
Phone / WhatsApp +65 81535374
Email admin@acephysiosport.com
Book your physiotherapy appointment today and start your joint stability rehabilitation programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a physiotherapist about hypermobility?
If hypermobility persists for more than 2 weeks, limits your daily activity, or worsens with movement, it's worth having a professional assessment. A physiotherapist can identify the underlying cause and begin the right treatment early — before the problem becomes chronic.
What are the most common musculoskeletal causes of hypermobility?
Hypermobility can result from injury, overuse, inflammation, nerve irritation, or joint degeneration. A thorough physiotherapy assessment identifies the specific source so treatment targets the root cause rather than just suppressing the symptom.
Can physiotherapy resolve hypermobility without medication?
In most cases, yes. Physiotherapy addresses the root cause of hypermobility through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 4–8 weeks of a structured programme.
Ready to start your recovery?
Our specialist physiotherapists are here to help. Book a consultation today.
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