Hypermobility is the condition in which your joint over-extends beyond the normal limits. This can be the result of a traumatic event or a global syndrome that affects all of your joints. The treatment is similar in all cases and physical therapy is recommended in the majority of incidents. The longterm risk with hypermobility disorders include frequent dislocation, with associated pain and arthritis, tendon and ligament tear or rupture and recurrent sprains.
Hypermobile Disease
Several diseases are associated with hypermobile joints. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome are complex and rare disorders that can result in global hypermobility issues. However, benign hypermobility syndrome is more common and is diagnosed by the Breighton score scale. In this examination, your doctor will ask you to complete a series of activities such as bending forward and placing your palms on the floor to hyperextend your fifth finger. You are diagnosed with benign hypermobility syndrome if you have four or more hyperextensive joints from the test.
Trauma-Induced Hypermobility
Otherwise joint-healthy individuals can suffer from hypermobility during a traumatic event. When bracing your body during a car accident, you may hyperextend your elbow, wrist or knee which can cause severe dislocation or tendon and ligament rupture. These injuries can be severe and cause lifelong damage. Volleyball, gymnastics and basketball are sports that are commonly associated with a higher incidence of hyperextension. These injuries are commonly less severe and less likely to have an associated dislocation or tendon rupture.
Physical Therapy
Your hypermobility related physical therapy will focus on developing a home exercise program for you. Your therapist will strengthen the associated weakened muscles to decrease the risk of re-injury. The optimal activities for those with hyperextension risk are low impact, light weightlifting activities. Heavy weightlifting or joint locking activities such as bowling are discouraged because of the high risk of hyperextension. Your therapist may teach you isometric exercises which are completed without moving. For example, your therapist may instruct you to tighten your arm or leg muscles without moving your arm. This will strengthen the muscles with a decreased risk of hyperextension. Or, your therapist may utilize exercise bands to safely increase your strength.
Activity Modification
Because you can overextend your joints during daily activities if you are diagnosed with a hypermobility related disease, your therapist will teach you how to modify your daily habits. Simple activities such as climbing stairs or bending down to pick up an item from the floor can be an opportunity to hyperextend your knees. Reteaching your body alternate strategies for everyday activities will decrease your risk of recurrent hyperextension and the associated consequences.
