Hypermobility Physical Therapy
A history of symptoms often related to pain and easily recognized by excess motion at multiple joints is described as hypermobility syndrome. It is also sometimes called as Beneign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (BJHS). The challenges that you may face can be multi-faceted and numerous, if you’ve been diagnosed as being hypermobile.
People who have been diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome have multiple joints that stretch further than normal, leading to frequent and often unrelated injuries. It’s usually genetics that determine who has hypermobility and who doesn’t. Hypermobility is more common in women than men at a ratio of 5:1.
How to find out if you have Hypermobility Syndrome?
It’s ironic that those with hypermobility often feel that their muscles need to be stretched. This is due to muscles tightening as they try to stabilize the joints because of inherent looseness. Strengthening is only one solution to this pain, but be not worried, there are more. There is a strong association between hypermobility syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Experts believe that excessive pain with Fibromyalgia that is not necessarily present with hypermobility syndrome is due to oxygen deprivation.
A simple self-test will give you an indication of whether or not some of your joints are hypermobile. It takes less than two minutes to self-assess your flexibility score.
- Can you place your hands flat on the floor, while standing with your knees straight?
- Can you bend your elbow backwards?
- Can you bend your knee backwards?
- Can you bend your thumb back on to the front of your forearm?
- Can you bend your little finger up at 90 degrees to the back of your back?
Try performing all of these activities on both sides, left and right and make sure you don’t exert too much pressure while doing so. Do it gently, and if the answer to all of these questions is yes, then most likely you have some form of hypermobility.
How can Physiotherapy help?
Physical therapy treatment is specific to the individual and is based on the presentation and medical history of the patient. It is essential for individuals with hypermobility syndrome to remain as posturally aligned and fit as possible, more so than the average person to prevent recurrent injuries. Regular cardiovascular and strengthening exercises, and physiotherapy using Pilates, and myofascial release or craniosacral therapy can all reduce symptoms of hypermobility and improve your control and well being.
Various physiotherapy treatments can also help by re-educating tight, overused muscles and ensuring the patient uses his or her joints within the ideal ranges of motion, avoiding hyperextension or hyperflexion. Get in touch with your professional physiotherapists in Edmonton, as they have detailed knowledge about the subject and help you in all the ways possible.
