Hypermobility Physiotherapy in Marbella and Mijas
Hypermobility means your joints move beyond the normal range. For some people this causes no problems at all. For others, it leads to pain, fatigue, frequent injuries, and difficulty with everyday activities. Our physiotherapist Flora specialises in assessment and exercise-based management for hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD), hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), and generalised joint hypermobility.
Understanding Hypermobility
Not all hypermobility requires treatment. The Beighton score measures joint laxity, but it does not tell you whether hypermobility is causing problems. What matters is whether your hypermobility is symptomatic, meaning it causes pain, instability, fatigue, or recurrent injuries. Our approach starts with accurate assessment and builds a graduated programme around your body, your goals, and your pace.
Accurate Assessment
We distinguish between asymptomatic hypermobility, hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD), and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). The right diagnosis guides the right treatment.
Strength-Based Management
The core of hypermobility management is building strength and proprioception. We design graduated exercise programmes that improve stability without flaring symptoms.
Children and Adults
Hypermobility is common in children and adolescents. We work with all ages, adapting our approach to suit developmental stage and activity goals.
What We Help With
Our physiotherapists manage the full spectrum of hypermobility-related conditions, from mild joint laxity to complex multi-system presentations.
Generalised Joint Hypermobility
Joints that move beyond the normal range without necessarily causing symptoms. Assessment determines whether treatment is needed or monitoring is sufficient.
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder
Symptomatic hypermobility causing pain, fatigue, and recurrent injuries but not meeting full hEDS criteria. Exercise-based management is the primary treatment.
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
A connective tissue disorder with joint hypermobility, skin involvement, and systemic features. Management requires careful, graduated rehabilitation.
Recurrent Injuries and Subluxations
Joints that repeatedly sprain, dislocate, or sublux. Strengthening the muscles around unstable joints is the most effective long-term strategy.
Fatigue and Deconditioning
Chronic fatigue is common in hypermobility conditions. Carefully graded exercise improves energy levels without triggering symptom flares.
Children with Hypermobility
Growing pains, clumsiness, difficulty with handwriting, and avoidance of sport. Early assessment and age-appropriate exercise can make a significant difference.
"After years of being told I was just flexible, Flora actually listened and assessed me properly. For the first time I have a programme that makes sense for my body. The joint pain has reduced significantly and I feel stronger than I have in years."
Emma T.
Patient
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hypermobility?
Hypermobility means your joints move beyond the normal range of motion. It is very common and often harmless. However, when hypermobility causes pain, fatigue, frequent injuries, or instability, it may indicate hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS).
What is the difference between HSD and hEDS?
Hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) involves symptomatic joint hypermobility causing pain and dysfunction. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is a specific connective tissue disorder with additional criteria including skin involvement and systemic features. Both benefit from exercise-based physiotherapy.
Can physiotherapy help with hypermobility?
Yes. Exercise-based physiotherapy is the primary treatment for symptomatic hypermobility. Building strength and proprioception around hypermobile joints reduces pain, prevents injuries, and improves function. The key is a graduated programme that does not flare symptoms.
Should I avoid exercise if I am hypermobile?
No. Avoiding exercise leads to deconditioning, which makes hypermobility symptoms worse. The right approach is carefully graduated, supervised exercise that builds strength without overloading unstable joints. Your physiotherapist will design a programme suited to your tolerance.
When should I see a GP or specialist for hypermobility?
If you suspect hEDS or experience systemic symptoms (heart palpitations, digestive issues, skin fragility, autonomic dysfunction), a GP or rheumatologist referral is appropriate. Genetic testing may be considered for rarer types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. We can guide this process.
Take the First Step Towards Better Control
Book a hypermobility assessment with Flora Muijzer at Costa Health. We will build a plan around your body, your goals, and your pace.
Available at Available at our clinics in Riviera del Sol (Mijas)