Physical Therapy for Hypermobility
Joint hypermobility is a syndrome that affects a variety of bodily systems, particularly the joints, ligaments, and cartilage of the body. Individuals with hypermobility experience a wider range of motion in the joints due to weakness in the ligaments and cartilage surrounding the joints. Hypermobile joints are often referred to as “double jointed” and can be moved into abnormal positions and angles. Individuals with hypermobile joints may be able to easily place their feet over their head, bend their fingers into extreme angles, and bend their knees and elbows backwards.
While a certain degree of hypermobility is common in children, progressive and consistent hypermobility can lead to a variety of negative symptoms, including: joint pain, dislocations, stiffness, recurrent injuries (particularly sprains), fatigue, dizziness and fainting, and digestive problems. The primary concern with hypermobility, however, is joint related. Hypermobile individuals that do not receive treatment can easily injure themselves and may experience chronic pain. Fortunately, physical therapy and strength related exercises can greatly reduce the joint related symptoms of hypermobile individuals. Rock Run is a physical therapy clinic in Utah that specializes in rehabilitation for hypermobile patients.
While every patient has various degrees of hypermobility, customized physical therapy focuses on four areas in order to strengthen the body and reduce extreme ranges of mobility:
- Muscle Strengthening – Laxity in joints is caused by weak, stretchy ligaments. Strengthening the muscles that surround joints can counteract this weakness. Physical therapy for hypermobile joints focuses on strengthening the body so that the muscles can support the joints and prevent injury.
- Balance – Joint laxity causes poor coordination as well as weakness, leading to clumsiness and poor balance. At Rock Run, your Utah physical therapist will teach you exercises that improve balance and coordination.
- Orthotics – For individuals who frequently experience dislocations, braces and other orthotic devices can be used while completing physical therapy. These devices provide additional support for extremely lax joints, making therapy safer and more effective.
- Manual Therapy – Pain is a common side effect of hypermobility syndrome. Patients may benefit from manual therapies such as massage.
Hypermobility syndrome can drastically affect your wellbeing. Rock Run is a Utah physical therapy clinic that is focused on full body rehabilitation. With help from our experienced therapists, you can improve your well-being. Daily activities don’t need to result in pain – contact our clinic today to speak with one of our Utah physical therapists about hypermobility syndrome rehabilitation.
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services
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Rock Run Physical Therapy offers FREE Workshops to help educate the community on a variety of subjects. They have been very well received and seats fill up fast! All the Workshops are educational, interactive, and entertaining. At the workshops, you will get to meet people who are having the same questions and problems as you AND you will get to have your questions answered!
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