PHYSIOTHERAPY
Pelvic Floor • Chronic pain • Hypermobility • Lactation/Infant Feeding
WHAT TO EXPECT
Physiotherapy for Hypermobility
At Centered In Health, you will be heard and believed!
What is hypermobility?
Hypermobility refers to the ability of a joint to move beyond the typical or 'normal' range of movement. This may contribute to pain and injury risk for some people and may happen naturally or after an injury.
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Synromes (EDS/hEDS) are heritable connective tissue disorders that often involve increased joint flexibility throughout the body as well as various other system wide differences and challenges. There is also strong correlation between hypermobility and other concerns such as digestive issues and autonomic nervous system issues.
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There is large variation across individuals with HSD/EDS/hEDS in the joints involved, severity of symptoms, and the other correlated health issues so it's important that the treatments and strategies provided are tailored to each person's unique needs.
How physiotherapy can help:
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reduce pain
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improve joint stability
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improve stiffness (often other joints and muscles tighten around areas of hypermobility)
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increase strength and overall function
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pacing strategies (avoid boom/bust patterns and support steady, gradual improvements)
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support for meaningful goals
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address pelvic floor symptoms (pain, prolapse, incontinence, urgency/frequency, currently only for women)
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support digestive issues and constipation
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help support dysautonomia / autonomic symptoms
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provide guidance and support for diagnosis of HSD/EDS
How it's done:
All Physiotherapy appointments for hypermobility are done one on one in a private room where you have the time and freedom to share your whole story. The initial assessment will include discussion of your symptoms, history, goals, and priorities. A holistic, whole-person approach via the biopsychosocial model is used and incorporated as relevant to each individual.
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A physical exam is done taking into consideration current pain levels, goals/priorities, and where you are on your hypermobile journey. (We don't need to cause pain while we work on making changes and improvements!)
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An individualized care plan is created collaboratively between you and your physiotherapist that typically includes education, self-treatments, home exercises, and possibly support product recommendations.
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At Centered In Health, you will be heard and believed. And you will be active in choosing the goals, priorities, and strategies that work best for you.
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Who can benefit:
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anyone who has been diagnosed or suspects they have Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder / Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes
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men, women, and children struggling with symptoms and functional challenges related to hypermobility
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individuals who want some or all of:
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support and guidance with diagnosis​
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development of an individualized care/home management program
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help during flare-ups
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