Physical Therapy & Hypermobility: Whole-Body Care for Long-Term Stability
Hypermobility is often described as having joints that move beyond the typical range of motion. For some people, this can be a fun party trick or something they barely notice. For others, hypermobility shows up as pain, fatigue, recurring injuries, pelvic floor symptoms, or a constant feeling that their body just doesn’t quite trust itself.
Many of the people I work with tell me they’ve spent years feeling dismissed, confused, or frustrated—being told they’re “too flexible,” “just weak,” or that their pain doesn’t make sense. A patient-centered physical therapy approach starts by listening. Your lived experience matters, and hypermobility deserves thoughtful, whole-body care that meets you where you are.
As physical therapists who take a holistic approach, we look beyond flexibility alone. Hypermobility isn’t just about loose joints—it’s about how the entire system works together to create stability, efficiency, and confidence in movement.
Understanding Hypermobility Beyond Flexibility
Hypermobility exists on a spectrum. Some individuals are simply more flexible, while others may meet criteria for generalized hypermobility or hypermobility-related disorders. Regardless of where someone falls, a common theme is that passive structures (like ligaments and joint capsules) often provide less support, meaning the body relies more heavily on muscles, coordination, and the nervous system for stability.
This increased demand can contribute to:
Joint pain or a sense of instability
Muscle overuse and fatigue
Recurrent sprains or “mystery” aches
Pelvic floor symptoms, including pain or difficulty with coordination
Low back, hip, or SI joint discomfort
This is where physical therapy becomes not just helpful, but essential.
The Importance of Whole-Body Care
In hypermobile bodies, treating one joint in isolation rarely leads to lasting change. A whole-body approach looks at how joints stack, how load transfers through the body, and how breathing, posture, and daily habits influence movement.
Whole-body care may include:
Assessing how the feet, hips, spine, and shoulders work together
Improving muscle strength and endurance around hypermobile joints
Enhancing proprioception (the body’s sense of position and control)
Supporting nervous system regulation to reduce guarding or overactivation
Integrating breathing and pelvic floor coordination
When the entire system is supported, joints don’t have to rely on extremes of motion to get the job done.
Preventive Care: A Cornerstone of Hypermobility Management
One of the most empowering aspects of physical therapy for hypermobility is preventive care. Rather than waiting for pain or injury to flare, proactive support can help reduce setbacks and build long-term resilience.
Preventive care focuses on:
Strength before symptoms escalate
Teaching efficient movement strategies for daily life
Identifying early signs of overload or compensation
Gradually exposing the body to load in a safe, intentional way
For hypermobile individuals, consistency matters more than intensity. Small, well-chosen exercises that are integrated into daily routines often lead to better outcomes than sporadic high-intensity programs.
The SI Joint’s Role in Hypermobility
The sacroiliac (SI) joint plays a critical role in hypermobility, even though it’s often overlooked. This joint sits at the intersection of the spine and pelvis and is responsible for transferring load between the upper body and the legs.
In hypermobile bodies, the SI joint may:
Move too much or lack efficient force closure
Become irritated due to poor load transfer
Compensate for weakness or coordination issues elsewhere
When the SI joint isn’t well supported, people may experience low back pain, hip pain, pelvic floor symptoms, or a feeling of asymmetry when standing or walking.
Physical therapy can help by:
Improving strength and coordination of the glutes, deep core, and pelvic floor
Addressing asymmetrical movement patterns
Teaching anti-rotation and load-transfer strategies
Integrating functional movements that reflect real-life demands
Rather than trying to “lock down” the SI joint, the goal is to create balanced, adaptable support around it.
A Supportive, Sustainable Path Forward
Living in a hypermobile body can feel unpredictable, and it’s understandable to become cautious or disconnected from movement after repeated setbacks. Physical therapy isn’t about limiting what your body can do—it’s about helping you feel safer, stronger, and more supported in how you move.
With a whole-body approach, preventive strategies, and thoughtful attention to key areas like the SI joint, many hypermobile individuals are able to reduce pain, improve stability, and rebuild confidence in daily life. Progress often comes from small, consistent changes that honor your nervous system and your capacity, rather than pushing through discomfort.
How This Looks at Natural Fit Physio
At Natural Fit Physio, hypermobility care is never one-size-fits-all. We take the time to understand your full story, assess how your entire body works together, and create a plan that fits into your real life—not just the clinic.
Our goal is to help you:
Feel more stable and confident in your body
Reduce flare-ups through proactive, preventive care
Understand how your SI joint, core, pelvic floor, and breathing work together
Build sustainable strength and movement strategies you can trust
Hypermobility isn’t something you need to fight against. With the right support, education, and whole-body care, it’s possible to move through life with more ease, resilience, and confidence—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.