Hypermobility is the ability of the joints to move much further than their normal range. Hypermobile joints are sometimes referred to as lax joints. The condition may be limited to a few joints or it can be widespread. It may also be an entity on its own, or it can be associated with connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, joint hypermobility syndrome, and osteogenesis imperfecta. Finally, it can be asymptomatic or symptomatic.
The symptoms vary according to the condition with which hypermobility is associated. However, some of the common symptoms include:
The role of physiotherapy is to provide:
The symptoms can become chronic, causing the individual to limit physical activities. This in turn can cause further deconditioning and increase weakness in the muscles. In the long term, it can affect their overall health and wellbeing.
Exercises are effective in decreasing pain, improving muscle strength and endurance, delaying fatigue, and improving the overall quality of life. According to the hypermobility guidelines of The British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology, the long-term outlook is very positive and, with correct management strategies, children or young adults should be able to participate in all activities with or without professional support.
Contact us now, in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, for further information about the beneficial effect our paediatric physiotherapy has on children with hypermobility.