By Maeve Collins Talbot PT, DPT, CSCS
Hypermobility isn’t just about being extra flexible—it’s about finding balance, stability, and control within your body’s unique capabilities. Join us as we navigate through assessments, strategies, and holistic approaches tailored to empower you on your journey towards improved well-being.
Assessment and Focus Areas
When you come in for PT for hypermobility, we start with a thorough assessment. We want to see how your body moves during everyday activities, looking at the whole picture, not just individual joints. Our main focus? Stability. Being hypermobile often means you’ve got plenty of range of motion, but maybe not enough control in those end ranges.
Embrace Stability:
When it comes to hypermobility, stability becomes paramount. While flexibility is impressive, it’s essential to focus on enhancing control and stability in those extended ranges of motion. Physical therapy sessions often revolve around strengthening exercises and proprioceptive training to improve stability and reduce the risk of injury.
Assess and Address:
A thorough assessment by a physical therapist is the first step in managing hypermobility. By evaluating the movement patterns and functional abilities of the body, therapists can identify areas that need attention. From there, targeted interventions can be implemented to address specific concerns and improve overall function.
Know the Signs:
Recognizing hypermobility can be as simple as understanding the Beighton Scale, a tool used to assess joint flexibility. By performing specific movements, individuals can gauge their level of hypermobility based on the scale’s criteria. Understanding where you fall on the scale can provide insight into potential challenges and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
Holistic Approaches:
Hypermobility isn’t just about flexibility; it can affect various aspects of well-being. Symptoms like dizziness or changes in heart rate may accompany hypermobility and require management. Physical therapists work holistically, addressing not only joint mobility but also associated symptoms to improve overall quality of life.
Professional Guidance:
If you suspect you may have hypermobility or experience related symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. Physical therapists specializing in hypermobility can provide personalized care and guidance tailored to your unique needs. With the right support and interventions, you can learn to navigate hypermobility effectively and continue pursuing the activities you love.
If you’ve been grappling with questions about your flexibility and stability, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to pave the way for a stronger, more stable you.