Hypermobility can be confusing, frustrating, and often misunderstood — even in the medical world. People with hypermobility (or hypermobile spectrum disorders) may look flexible on the outside but experience daily pain, joint instability, fatigue, and frequent injuries. While general physiotherapists can help with a range of conditions, a physiotherapist for hypermobility brings a specialized skill set that’s essential for managing this complex condition.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes a hypermobility physio different, why their approach matters, and how they can make a lasting impact on a patient’s health and quality of life.
Understanding Hypermobility Isn’t Just About Flexibility
One of the key differences in a hypermobility physio is their deep understanding of what hypermobility really involves. It’s not just being “double-jointed” or flexible. True hypermobility often comes with joint instability, chronic pain, fatigue, poor proprioception (body awareness), and sometimes even digestive or cardiovascular symptoms in cases like Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS).
A general physio might focus only on muscle strengthening or joint support, but a physiotherapist for hypermobility considers the whole-body effects — physical, neurological, and even emotional. This broader understanding leads to more accurate treatment plans.
Assessments Go Beyond Range of Motion
Standard physiotherapy assessments focus on joint function and muscular strength. However, when you work with a hypermobility physio, the evaluation often includes much more. They look at joint alignment, postural habits, balance, coordination, endurance, and how the patient’s body responds to certain movements over time.
For example, instead of simply noting that a patient has flexible knees, a physiotherapist for hypermobility will test how that hyperextension affects walking, fatigue, and knee pain. They assess the patient’s stability in daily activities and consider the long-term impact of their joint mechanics.
Tailored Exercise Programs (No Cookie-Cutter Plans)
Exercise is a key part of hypermobility treatment, but not just any workout will do. In fact, inappropriate exercises can make symptoms worse. A hypermobility physio creates personalized, low-impact programs that build strength without straining vulnerable joints.
This often means slower progress, controlled movements, and a strong emphasis on technique. Rather than high reps or intense cardio, the focus is on stability, endurance, and gradual improvement. Stretching is approached with caution, since many hypermobile individuals already overstretch and may unknowingly increase their risk of injury.
A Focus on Proprioception and Neuromuscular Control
People with hypermobility often have poor proprioception, meaning they’re not always aware of where their joints are in space. This can lead to awkward movements, falls, or repetitive strain injuries.
A physiotherapist for hypermobility includes proprioception training in their treatment plan. This involves exercises that help retrain the brain and muscles to improve balance, posture, and motor control. It’s one of the most valuable long-term strategies for reducing pain and improving function.
Education and Empowerment Are Central
One thing that sets hypermobility physios apart is how much time they spend educating their patients. Living with hypermobility often means dealing with long-term symptoms, confusing diagnoses, and sometimes feeling misunderstood by healthcare providers.
These specialists help patients understand their condition, set realistic goals, and make daily adjustments — from posture and work habits to sleep and stress management. Empowerment is a major part of the treatment approach, giving patients the tools to manage their symptoms independently.
Pacing and Fatigue Management
Fatigue is a common issue for people with hypermobility, but it’s often overlooked in standard rehab settings. A hypermobility physio understands that pushing too hard can lead to setbacks. They help patients find the balance between activity and rest using pacing strategies — gradually increasing tolerance without triggering flare-ups.
This careful approach helps reduce the boom-and-bust cycle where patients feel good one day, overdo it, and then suffer days of pain or exhaustion. By managing fatigue properly, patients can make steady progress that lasts.
Multidisciplinary Mindset
Hypermobility often overlaps with other conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), anxiety, mast cell issues, and digestive problems. A physiotherapist for hypermobility knows when to refer a patient to other specialists, such as rheumatologists, occupational therapists, or cardiologists.
They work as part of a broader care team and are familiar with how hypermobility affects systems outside of the muscles and joints. This holistic, multidisciplinary approach leads to better results and fewer gaps in care.
Long-Term Support, Not Just Injury Rehab
While general physiotherapists might focus on treating short-term injuries, a hypermobility physio often supports patients over the long term. They know that flare-ups happen, progress can be slow, and symptoms may change with age or activity.
That’s why their care often includes long-term planning, check-ins, and adjustments. They build strong, trusting relationships with patients who might otherwise fall through the cracks in the healthcare system. This consistent support helps patients maintain function, confidence, and control over their lives.
Final Thoughts
Hypermobility is complex, and so is treating it. That’s why seeing a physiotherapist for hypermobility makes such a difference. These specialized professionals go beyond basic rehab to deliver thoughtful, customized care that takes every aspect of hypermobility into account.
From tailored exercises to fatigue management and education, a hypermobility physio provides the kind of comprehensive support that people with hypermobility truly need. If you or someone you know struggles with chronic joint pain, instability, or unexplained injuries, working with a specialist could be a key step toward relief and recovery.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
