What Is Hypermobility?
Hypermobility occurs when joints move beyond their normal range of motion, often due to lax connective tissue or overly flexible ligaments. While some degree of flexibility is common and harmless, hypermobility can lead to joint instability, chronic pain, and an increased risk of injury if left unaddressed. It can affect people of all ages and may make everyday activities uncomfortable or difficult. At Tri Physical Therapy in Phoenix, AZ, we offer personalized treatment programs to help you manage hypermobility and get back to living life on your terms.
How Is Hypermobility Treated?
At Tri Physical Therapy, our licensed physical therapists begin with a comprehensive evaluation to understand how hypermobility is affecting your movement, strength, and daily function. From there, we design a personalized treatment plan that focuses on stabilizing your joints, building muscular support, and improving your overall body awareness. Our goal is to help you move more safely and confidently while reducing pain and the risk of further injury.
What Causes Hypermobility?
Hypermobility can develop for a variety of reasons. Understanding the root cause is key to creating an effective treatment plan. Common causes include:
- Genetics: Many people are born with naturally lax connective tissue, making hypermobility an inherited trait. It can run in families and may occur on its own or as part of a connective tissue disorder, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
- Connective tissue disorders: When structures like the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage are weaker or more elastic than normal, joints become less stable and more prone to excessive movement.
- Age and hormonal changes: While joint flexibility naturally decreases with age, hormonal fluctuations can temporarily increase ligament laxity, leading to hypermobility.
- Previous injuries: Repeated joint injuries, sprains, or trauma can stretch and weaken the surrounding ligaments over time, contributing to joint instability.
- Muscle weakness: Poor muscular support around a joint can allow for movement beyond the normal range. Strengthening the muscles around hypermobile joints is often a key part of treatment.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hypermobility?
Hypermobility can present differently from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Frequent joint pain or aching, especially after physical activity
- Joint instability or a feeling that joints are "giving way"
- Recurring injuries such as sprains, strains, or dislocations
- Muscle fatigue and tension from overworking to compensate for unstable joints
- Poor coordination or difficulty with balance
- Chronic stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- Soft tissue injuries that seem to heal slowly or recur frequently
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hypermobility get worse over time?
For some people, symptoms can worsen without proper management, particularly as muscles weaken or injuries accumulate. However, with consistent physical therapy and the right exercise program, many patients can stabilize their symptoms and prevent further decline. Early intervention is always recommended.
Will I need to avoid exercise if I have hypermobility?
Actually, exercise is one of the most important tools for managing hypermobility. The key is focusing on controlled, safe movements that build strength without overstressing your joints. At Tri Physical Therapy, our therapists will design a program that keeps you active while protecting your joints.
Is there a cure for hypermobility?
There is currently no cure for hypermobility. However, with the right physical therapy program, most patients manage their symptoms effectively and maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle. Our team in Phoenix, AZ, is committed to helping you find lasting relief and long-term stability.
How do I know if my hypermobility requires physical therapy?
If your hypermobility is causing joint pain, frequent injuries, or difficulty with everyday tasks, it may be time to seek professional help. Our team at Tri Physical Therapy can perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess how hypermobility is affecting your movement and function. From there, we'll help you determine the best course of action to manage your symptoms effectively.
How long does it take to see results from physical therapy?
The timeline for improvement varies depending on the severity of your hypermobility and how consistently you follow your treatment plan. Many patients begin to notice improvements in strength, stability, and pain levels within a few weeks of starting therapy. Our staff monitor your progress and adjust your program as needed to keep you on track.
How do I prepare for my first physical therapy appointment?
Patients can prepare for their first appointment by wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows our therapists easy access to the affected joints. Be ready to discuss your symptoms in detail, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they impact your daily life. The more information you can share, the better equipped our team will be to design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Takeaways
Hypermobility does not have to mean a lifetime of pain or limitation. With the right treatment plan, you can build the strength and stability needed to feel confident in your body and stay active. At Tri Physical Therapy in Phoenix, AZ, our team is dedicated to helping you find lasting relief and improved quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward better movement and greater stability.
Tri Physical Therapy Reviews
Amazing Therapists and professionals! Always a healing experience! They listen to everything! Thank you for your expertise Tri PT!
Great environment and crew. Very kind and knowledgeable!
The entire staff at Tri PT are fantastic! So friendly and helpful. Since starting my PT journey my body mechanics and awareness have improved in my workouts and every day life. I'm so thankful for Tri PT in helping me maintain my movements and functionality at work and in my daily activities.
I've broken many bones over the course of my 50 years and followed each break with physical therapy. They are not all created equal and Tri PT is THE BEST! Head and shoulders above the rest. You get a professional work with you for the entire hour, not a list of exercises that you do on your own while your therapist attends to five other patients. Therapists at Tri PT are knowledgeable and will discuss your needs with you based on solid medical science. They also offer dry needling for those really tense muscles and variety of other specialists to augment physical therapy. And not to forget, how pleasant everyone is and what wonderful bedside manner they have.
I am currently recovering from spine surgery, and Barb at Tri Physical Therapy has been incredible. With nerve damage, the frustrating part is not that I can’t do things, it’s that my body doesn’t respond the way my mind knows it should. Every time I get discouraged, Barb tells me it’s OK and that I will get there, and every time she is right. Her explanations are thorough and relatable. I ask a lot of questions and she breaks down nerve functions and muscles behind something as simple as balance. I always understand what I am working toward. Highly recommend Barb and the whole team at Tri Physical Therapy.
99
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating