Can a Chiropractor Help with Hypermobility?

Published
Flourish Chiropractic Spa

TLDR; Yes! A chiropractor can help people with hypermobility. 

Hypermobility is the ability for a joint, or multiple joints, to move beyond the normal range of motion. This condition can exist locally in one area of the body and it can exist throughout the entire body. It is commonly a genetic condition but can also be acquired over time. We often see acquired hypermobility in dancers, gymnasts, aerialists, and other sports that require extreme amounts of flexibility and mobility. 

Hypermobility can present with instability which is a decrease in stabilization factors that keep a joint in its proper position. Instability can result in dislocations or partial dislocations and can present with or without pain. A person can have hypermobility and not have instability. Further, a person can be flexible and not hypermobile or hypermobile and not flexible, and you can be both flexible and hypermobile at the same time. 

A common misconception is that hypermobile people always present as flexible. Although the joints may be extra mobile that does not necessarily mean that your muscles behave the same way. There is a difference between mobility and flexibility. Mobility is what we are referring to when speaking about hypermobility. Mobility refers to the amount of movements that is allowed within a joint whereas flexibility refers to the amount of stretch a muscle is capable of. Both are equally important for movement, stability, and function. 

Hypermobility is a complicated spectrum and therefore presents differently in everyone who experiences this condition. Some people with hypermobility feel that they are achy and tight all over and have multiple areas of joint pain throughout the body, often on both sides of the body. Others with hypermobility feel “wobbly” or like their joints may “give out” on them. Some also have a variety of other conditions that affect their entire nervous system such as Mast Cell Activation Disorder and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome for example. 

When would someone suspect they have hypermobility?

  • Pain in multiple areas of the body, especially in or around joints and on both sides of the body
  • Feel “tight” all over and no amount of stretching helps long term
  • Feel “wobbly” or like your body doesn’t want to support itself 
  • Roll your ankles very easily or feel that you are very clumsy
  • Dislocations, or partial dislocations of joints (e.g., shoulders), after a seemingly trivial event
  • A positive score on The Beighton Scoring System (although a negative score does not rule OUT hypermobility, a positive score does help rule IN hypermobility)

Some other symptoms seen with hypermobility include:

  • Bruising easily
  • Dizziness
  • Skin sensitivities or allergies
  • Brain fog 
  • Nausea 
  • Headaches
  • Chronic fatigue

And many more…

A person does not need to resonate with all of the above experiences to have hypermobility. Some people with hypermobility have no symptoms at all. 

Hypermobility is a complicated spectrum and remains poorly understood due to a lack of research. As providers we are always learning and adapting based on new information. 

When to see a chiropractor? 

If you have symptoms like pain, tightness, or decreased function in your day to day life that you struggle to manage on your own. Chiropractic can help manage symptoms and improve function.

If you want to learn more about your body or have specific goals you’d like to meet, chiropractic can support you. 

How can chiropractic help with hypermobility?

Everyone will require different support and treatment and our goal is to help you understand and manage this condition. 

For most people who experience hypermobility, gaining strength and stability is the most helpful strategy to improve function and symptomology. This includes strength building exercises that you enjoy to help provide support for your joints and provide better function, mobility, and improved symptoms. Chiropractors can teach and prescribe patient specific exercises to accomplish this. Chiropractors can also help improve pain and tightness with techniques such as massage, cupping therapy, and gentle joint manipulation. 

We can also provide helpful resources regarding your condition and referrals to other practitioners when needed. If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule an appointment at Flourish today. 

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Dr. Rachel Whyte

Dr. Rachel Whyte (she/them) is a chiropractor dedicated to helping patients achieve their health and fitness goals through personalized care. With a background in kinesiology and Chiropractic Medicine, Dr. Rachel specializes in restoring function, relieving pain, and improving quality of life using diverse techniques and rehabilitation exercises. Originally from Canada, she prioritizes creating a safe, respectful space for every patient.

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