Hypermobility
explained
What is Hypermobility?
Joint hypermobility is a term used to describe a larger than expected range of movement in a given joint. Hypermobility is found on a spectrum from asymptomatic to severe. That means someone can have hypermobile joints and no pain or other problems, or they can have joints which easily dislocate or sublux, frequent or constant pain, fatigue and other debilitating symptoms. And then there are lots of people who fall somewhere in between – painful, unstable-feeling joints which cause some pain and/or fatigue but nothing extreme. Michelle is experienced in assessing people with any level of hypermobility and working with them to make a plan of action to best manage their individual condition.
Is ‘hypermobility’ a diagnosis?
No, joint hypermobility is a term used to describe something we can see. It is not a diagnosis in or of itself. Joint hypermobility is found in varying degrees in the general population as well as in a range of different disorders. Some of the diagnoses where you may find hypermobility include:
The Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders
Asymptomatic Generalised Joint Hypermobility
Asymptomatic Peripheral Joint Hypermobility
Asymptomatic Localised Joint Hypermobility
Historical Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder
Localised Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder
Peripheral Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder
Generalised Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder
Other Genetic Conditions:
The Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes*
Marfan Syndrome*
Loeys-Dietz Syndrome*
Coffin-Lowry Syndrome*
Stickler Syndrome*
Nail Patella Syndrome*
Osteogenesis Imperfecta*
Some of these genetic* syndromes which involve hypermobility also have symptoms which can be life-threatening, and therefore need proper genetic diagnosis and management. This is particularly the case in:
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
Marfan Syndrome
Many of the hypermobility related conditions, including the Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, have numerous other symptoms which can be life-interfering, including dysautonomia, POTS, gastrointestinal issues, pelvic organ prolapse, anxiety disorders, and sleep disturbances, to name a few. Joint hypermobility that isn’t managed well may lead to early-onset osteoarthritis, another painful joint condition which is irreversible.
Unfortunately, having one condition doesn’t make someone immune to others, and therefore it is not entirely unusual to see people with hypermobility and an inflammatory arthritis like Rheumatoid Arthritis. Much of the medical and allied health community hasn’t caught up with the significance of hypermobility & its impact on the individuals’ life. People living with hypermobility conditions often educate doctors about their condition. Knowledge is power.
Why is early diagnosis & management important?
By diagnosing and intervening as early as possible, we hope to achieve:
Less pain
Less disability
Fewer unnecessary procedures and failed surgeries
Fewer complications from surgeries and procedures
Better fatigue management
Greater ability to maintain meaningful employment
Proactive management of co-occurring illnesses and symptoms
Education of the patient so they can better self-manage their symptoms
Better outcomes!!
What does intervention look like?
It’s as varied as the clients we see but often involves physio, OT, EP, medications, dietary and lifestyle management, pain management, psychology/counselling/mental health OT.