Hypermobility
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) are heritable connective tissue disorders that cause generalised joint hypermobility, joint instability, and chronic pain. HSD/ hEDS are also associated with a variety of other symptoms and related conditions that affect many different areas of the body.
Can you touch your palms to the floor without bending your knees? Do you often experience joint pain or discomfort, especially in the knees, hips, or shoulders? Have you ever dislocated a joint? Do you experience joint instability or a feeling that your joints are “loose”? Do you participate in activities that require a high degree of joint flexibility, such as dance or gymnastics?
Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) are inherited connective tissue disorders that cause joint hypermobility, instability, injury, and pain. It does often present with a wide range of other symptoms too.
Joint hypermobility means that a person’s joints have a greater range of motion than is expected or normal.
The problem occurs when joints are not just hypermobile but are also unstable. This can lead to joint subluxations, dislocations, sprains, and other injuries. Joint instability can cause both acute and chronic pain and interfere with daily life.
Some Symptoms of HSD
- Chronic Joint and/or muscle pain
- Joint instability.
- Muscle weakness.
- Fatigue.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Dizziness and fainting, especially when you rapidly stand up.
- Headaches and migraines.
- Sleep disorders.
- Anxiety and depression
- Brain fog
- Bruising and slow wound healing.
- Very elastic skin
- Problems with the immune system
- Dry eyes
- Varicose veins
HSD and hEDS are more common than we think but it is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. People with HSD/hEDS spend time and energy trying to see different doctors and specialists to figure out the reason for their symptoms.
A physiotherapist can conduct a thorough assessment which will be able to identify HSD/hEDS in an individual. An appropriate HSD/hEDS diagnosis means we can start early intervention, identify and address associated symptoms, manage chronic joint pain and prevent injuries, provide education and coping strategies. Overall we are able to help individuals get the right care, improve their quality of life, and contribute to better understanding and managing HSD/ hEDS.
HSD/ hEDS cannot be cured but it can definitely be managed. Physiotherapy plays an important role in this management.
Physiotherapy's Role in the Management of HDS
- Pain management
- Education on the condition
- Muscle strengthening
- Biomechanic and postural training
- Functional rehabilitation
- Stabilisation exercise
- Balance and proprioceptive training
- Cardiovascular training
- Lifestyle modification
If you feel like you identify with this article, contact us today for a full HSD/hEDS assessment.
Contact Us
Are you ready to take the first step in your rehabilitation? Contact us today, or book your session online by clicking the button below.
HSD & hEDS are genetic disorders that are inherited from one or both of our parents.
It is a condition that has wide variation in both the type and severity of symptoms people experience. HSD is a spectrum disorder meaning that different people can express the condition to different degrees. The symptoms experienced by an individual can also vary greatly throughout their lifetime.
No. People diagnosed with HSD or hEDS may experience very different symptoms from each other, even if they are related.
Exercise, especially under the guidance of a physiotherapist, can be beneficial for strengthening muscles, improving joint stability, and reducing pain. Exercise plans should be individualised by your physio to suit your specific signs and symptoms.
There is no cure for HSD but with the proper diagnosis and management your overall health and wellbeing will definitely improve.
The Beighton scale is a recognized measurement system out of 9 to gauge your level of hypermobility. If you experience many of the symptoms of hypermobility, it may be worthwhile to be tested with this scale.
Our Step by Step Approach
- Find the source of your injury (or recurrent injuries)
- Correct the source to alleviate the site of your pain
- Change/optimise your movement patterns
- Integrate these improvements into your sports action (often in conjunction with your technical coach)
- Maintain optimal movement patterns to improve performance and reduce risk of future injury
Prescriptive exercises will be provided during each session and then emailed to you afterwards using the GrooviMovements Physio Software Exercise program, allowing you to easily follow how to perform and progress each exercise.