0330 088 7800
What is hypermobility syndrome?
Hypermobility syndrome is having much more movement in some joints than normal. Although hypermobility syndrome isn’t a form of arthritis, it often leads to osteoarthritis and can therefore be treated in a similar way. Although some people with hypermobility syndrome do not find it a problem, it can put extra strain on joints, ligaments and muscles and therefore can often be very painful.
Physiotherapy is an effective way of strengthening the area surrounding the joint to provide more support and minimise your symptoms. Physio.co.uk have specialist physiotherapists that are experienced at devising treatment programmes to control hypermobility syndrome. There are a number of different causes of hypermobility syndrome and your physiotherapist at Physio.co.uk will provide you with a full assessment to identify the factors leading to the condition. This will then help to create a personalised physiotherapy programme to suit your specific needs. The causes of hypermobility syndrome may include:
- Poor joint position sense (proprioception): if you are unaware of the position of your joints, you may be unable to sense when it is being overstretched
- Joint instability
- Weak muscles surrounding the joint
- Weak or stretched ligaments
- During or following pregnancy because of the hormone relaxin which is released to increase the movement at the pelvis joints
What are the symptoms of hyper mobility syndrome?
There are a variety of symptoms associated with hypermobility syndrome and these will vary depending on the reasons causing the condition. Your physiotherapist at Physio.co.uk will work with you to create a tailored treatment programme to help control your symptoms. Symptoms of hypermobility syndrome can include:
- Pain
- Dislocation
- Osteoarthritis
- Fallen arches of the feet
- Tendon tears
- Swollen joints
- Low back pain
- Stress incontinence
How is hyper mobility syndrome diagnosed?
There are two main ways to assessments used to diagnose hypermobility syndrome:
- The Beighton Score: a scoring system to check the hypermobility of various joint.
- The Brighton Criteria: a more detailed assessment used if you were found to be hypermobile from the Beighton Score.
How will physiotherapy help with hyper mobility syndrome?
Physiotherapy will help provide extra support to hypermobile joints and will allow you to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle without experiencing pain and discomfort. A physiotherapy programme with Physio.co.uk will help in the following ways:
- Reduce pain
- Reduce swelling
- Strengthen joints and surrounding muscles
- Provide stability to joints
- Reduce laxity of ligaments
- Allow you to remain physically active and continue with your normal hobbies and sports
What physiotherapy will be used for hyper mobility syndrome?
The specific physiotherapy that you receive at Physio.co.uk will depend on your symptoms and the severity of the hypermobility syndrome. Your physiotherapist will be able to decide the best combination of treatments to optimise the outcome of your physiotherapy programme. Physiotherapy may include:
- Pain control modalities
- Strengthening exercises
- Stretching exercises
- Hydrotherapy
- Home exercise programme
- Cardiovascular activities
- Orthotics to improve foot posture
- Pacing advice
- Postural exercises
- Provision of specialist splints to support the joint
Summary
Hypermobility syndrome means that you have a lot more movement at some of your joints than normal. This may cause pain and make you more prone to injuries than usual. Physiotherapy is a very good way of strengthening the soft tissue around the joint to give it more support. The physiotherapists at Physio.co.uk will work with you to develop an individualised treatment programme to maximise your potential. Please call Physio.co.uk on 0330 088 7800 to book an appointment today, or alternatively please book online
