I’ve been practicing as a physical therapist for nearly 15 years, and one of the biggest changes I’ve seen in that time is the increasing number of people coming in with concerns about joint hypermobility. Some have been formally diagnosed with conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, while others simply recognize that their joints are “loose” and it’s causing pain or limiting their performance.
The increased awareness is a good thing. Many people now understand that hypermobility can create unique challenges — but also potential advantages — especially for athletes and active adults. Let’s break down what that means, and how physical therapy for hypermobility can help.
What Is Hypermobility and Why Does It Matter?
Hypermobility refers to joints that move beyond the normal range of motion. Some people are naturally stiffer, while others are naturally looser — and this is all normal. But when joints are excessively mobile, problems can arise.
For example:
- Benefits: In sports like gymnastics, dance, or baseball, extra mobility can be a huge asset. A pitcher’s ability to throw, or a gymnast’s ability to achieve extreme positions, often comes from this mobility.
- Risks: Without proper strength, those same joints may lack stability. This can lead to pain, frequent sprains, hyperextension injuries (such as knees that bend backward), or even dislocations in vulnerable joints like the shoulder.
Why Stretching Isn’t the Answer
If you’re hypermobile, you don’t need more stretching. Your tissues are already like loose elastic bands — they can lengthen easily, but they don’t always provide enough support or rebound.
What you really need is protective stiffness. Think of it as giving that elastic band more “snap” so it can put on the brakes when stretched too far. This stiffness not only protects your joints but also adds athletic qualities like spring, bounce, and efficiency.
The Role of Physical Therapy for Hypermobility
When our physical therapists at Cohen Health and Performance work with athletes or active adults who are hypermobile, our focus is on strength training and joint control rather than flexibility. A tailored hypermobility physical therapy program may include:
1. Foundational Strength Training
Building muscle strength around joints is the first step. Strong muscles provide the support that loose ligaments and tendons can’t.
2. Isometric Exercises
Isometric holds — such as wall sits or split squat holds — help build protective stiffness in specific positions.
3. End-Range Strength Training
Athletes with hypermobility often have extreme ranges of motion. But can they control those ranges? Strengthening at the end of a joint’s range (such as the shoulder in overhead positions) helps protect against dislocations and injuries where the joint is most vulnerable.
Signs You May Benefit from Physical Therapy for Hypermobility
You may want to seek out a physical therapist if you:
- Experience joint pain in multiple areas
- Notice your knees, elbows, or fingers hyperextend past straight
- Have a history of recurrent sprains or dislocations
- Feel like your joints “give out” during activity
- Want to safely improve performance in a sport that demands extreme mobility
Hypermobility isn’t always a problem — in fact, it can be a real advantage in the right sport. But without strength and stability, it can quickly become a source of pain and injury.
At Cohen Health and Performance, we specialize in helping athletes and active adults with hypermobility build strength, develop protective stiffness, and optimize performance. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a hypermobility-related condition or you’ve simply noticed your joints feel “too loose,” we can create a personalized physical therapy and strength training program to help you stay healthy and strong.
If you’re ready to take control of your hypermobility, contact us today to schedule an evaluation.
