Benign Hypermobility Joint Syndrome Physiotherapy
Benign hypermobility joint syndrome (BHJS) is a disorder of the connective tissues (ligaments) that typically causes patients’ joints to become loose throughout the body. This is called joint hypermobility (joints being able to move too much), and is usually genetics related.
Many kids and in fact, a number of adults, can have some level of joint hypermobility (me too); but individuals with Benign Hypermobility Joint Syndrome take it a few notches higher, and it often leads to other issues that are long term, such as
- chronic pain
- joint instability
- increased risk of injuries
Contents
How does benign hypermobility joint syndrome feel like?
They usually report issues of
- Joint pains
- Insecurity of their joints, feeling loose or unstable
- High occurrence of joint sprains, dislocations
- High occurrence of back and neck problems
- Decreased joint sense, leading to decreased balance problems
- Back pain (often related to prolonged static positions, such as standing or sitting).
How is it diagnosed?
It’s not usually diagnosed in a single assessment or sitting, because it’s such as global (affecting multiple joint) issue.
Typically the doctor will note when patients report
- pain in multiple joints
- hypermobility in multiple joints
- rule out possible issues such as rheumatic problems or other issues that can cause joint laxity such as Ehlers Danlos
What physios can do to help?
Your physiotherapy treatments may include:
- Muscle Strengthening. Muscles helps provide stability to joints – specific and progressive strengthening will be done to increase the strength of key muscles that aid in joint stability. May include clinical pilates if suitable too.
- Balance and Proprioceptive Activities especially with recurrent falls and sprains
- Orthotics / Taping / Bracing. Ankle taping, a custom orthotic, or bracing if a joint is deemed too loose, to help make it less susceptible to further injury.
- Manual Therapy. Gentle hands-on treatments to reduce your discomfort and gently stimulate the nerves in your joints, as well provide pain relief physiotherapy.
Where To Next?
- Go to Home / Start
- Learn and find out more about your pains (bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves etc) at Pain Conditions & Injuries
- Visit our shop to see products we recommend for pain relief, heating, treatments and more
- Contact us
