Convenient, Cash-Pay Mobile Physical Therapy for Washington DC, NOVA, and Maryland Areas
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder
Understanding and Managing Your Symptoms
Do you experience frequent joint pain, dislocations, or “clicky” joints? Do you feel like your body is overly flexible, leading to injuries and discomfort? You might be living with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD).
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders are a group of conditions characterized by excessive joint flexibility. This flexibility can lead to a range of symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Types of Hypermobility Syndrome Disorders
- Benign Hypermobility Syndrome (BHS): The most common type, characterized by excessive flexibility without other significant symptoms.
- Generalized Hypermobility Syndrome (GHS): A more severe form with a wider range of symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): A group of genetic disorders that can cause hypermobility, as well as other symptoms like skin fragility and joint instability.
With EDS, the connective tissue that supports the body’s structures is weakened, which can affect the blood vessels and nerves. This can contribute to the development of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
POTS is a condition characterized by a rapid increase in heart rate when standing up. This increase in heart rate can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
Many people with EDS and POTS experience symptoms such as:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Fainting
- Headache
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Exercise intolerance
Symptoms associated with HSD vary widely and include:
- Excessive Joint Flexibility: People with HSDs can easily bend their joints beyond normal limits.
- Joint Pain: Pain in joints, particularly the knees, ankles, and shoulders, is common.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or exhausted, even with adequate rest.
- Muscle Weakness: Difficulty with activities that require strength or endurance.
- Digestive Issues: Gastrointestinal problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may occur.
Treatment For Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders
At Active Health Solutions, our comprehensive approach to physical therapy considers the whole person when creating a treatment plan. This approach integrates traditional physical therapy with lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and mindfulness practices to promote overall well-being and long-term healing.
We’ll work with you to:
Reduce Pain
We offer a variety of techniques to manage pain, including manual therapy and therapeutic exercises.
Joint Protection Strategies
Teaching patients how to protect their joints from excessive stress and strain, such as using taping techniques, assistive devices, avoiding high-impact activities, and pacing activities throughout the day.
Increase Joint Stability
Through targeted exercises, we can help strengthen the muscles that support your joints and improve your proprioception (the body’s awareness in space). These exercises can help minimize or prevent injuries, improve joint stability, and reduce pain.
Education About The Condition
We’ll empower you with knowledge about HSD and provide strategies for self-management.
Take Control of Your HSD Today
Living with HSD can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Active Health Solutions in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland area, we’re dedicated to helping you find stability, strength, and a greater sense of well-being. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment toward a more active and fulfilling life.
Your Next Steps…
Schedule Your Initial Appointment
Receive A Personalized Evaluation
Progress Through Your Customized Treatment Plan
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!