Hypermobility is when a person’s joints have more range of motion than you would expect. People living with hypermobility are often dealing with frequent joint dislocations and unexplained joint pain. Typically genetic, hypermobility’s most common causes include Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD).

A typical physiotherapy approach for hypermobility includes:

  • First and foremost, treating the soft tissue injuries

  • Pain relief and management through manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, joint support and modalities like IMS

  • Improving strength & endurance of postural and joint-stabilizing muscles

  • Exercises around posture and gait retraining

  • Balance, coordination & proprioceptive exercises

  • Education around your type of hypermobility and how to best help your body

  • Working with the rest of your team on a collaborative and integrated approach

  • Goal-oriented treatment to get you back to normal activities and the things you love

What should I expect during my physio assessment?

At a typical physiotherapy for hypermobility session, you are provided with a 30 minute dedicated one on one treatment session that will start with a detailed history regarding your specific issues. Your joints and general movement will be assessed, including functional movements like squats and gait. A Beighton Scale measurement will also typically be performed.

At the end of your session, a customized treatment plan will be designed specific to your needs. You will receive extensive education as well as a home exercise plan.

Your comfort is paramount to us - we provide a respectful, open and understanding environment for every body. Please feel free to bring someone with you to your appointment if that would make you feel more at ease.

Which physiotherapist treats people with hypermobility?

Anh Duong is our in-house hypermobility physio extraordinaire! Originally hailing from Prince Rupert, she completed her Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria in 2018 and graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Master's in Physical Therapy in 2020.

Anh spent years as a competitive dancer before becoming a physiotherapist. She has since pursued several courses focusing on artistic athletes & hypermobility, including courses specific to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome through the Ehlers Danlos Society. In the clinic, Anh spends much of her time working with kids and adults with various forms of hypermobility.

Ladner Village Physiotherapy exists in what is colonially known as Delta, on the traditional, occupied and unceded territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. As health care providers, we actively strive to understand the role of intergenerational trauma and health inequities applied through systemic and institutionalized racism with the goal of providing equitable and person-centred health care for all.