Hypermobility & Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)

Feeling Flexible but Fragile? Find Your Strength and Stability.

Are you often told you’re "double-jointed" or "extra flexible"? While this might seem like a party trick, for many it comes with a frustrating reality of chronic pain, frequent subluxations, fatigue, and injuries that just don't seem to heal. Living with hypermobility or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) can feel like your body's rulebook is different from everyone else's.

You're not just "clumsy" or "overly sensitive." Your experience is real, and it requires a specialised approach—one that focuses on building stability, not just stretching. At Velca, our integrated team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists understands the unique challenges of hypermobility and works together to help you build a stronger, more resilient body.

Understanding Hypermobility

Hypermobility means your joints can move beyond the normal range of motion. This is due to the body's connective tissue (collagen) being more flexible than usual. While some people have no symptoms, for many on the Hypermobility Spectrum, this laxity can lead to:

  • Chronic joint and muscle pain, as muscles work overtime to provide the stability that ligaments are lacking.

  • Joint instability, including frequent sprains, dislocations, or subluxations (partial dislocations).

  • Chronic fatigue, as the body expends more energy just to maintain posture and move.

  • Proprioception issues, which can feel like clumsiness or poor coordination.

  • Other associated symptoms like digestive issues, dizziness (POTS), and anxiety.

Our Integrated Approach to Hypermobility Care

Managing hypermobility isn't about "fixing" the flexibility; it's about teaching your body how to control it. Our practitioners collaborate to provide comprehensive care that addresses your body as a whole system.

  • Physiotherapy: Building Your Foundation Our physiotherapists are the cornerstone of your management plan. They focus on building strength and control around your joints. Your program will be carefully designed to avoid overstretching and will instead focus on:

    • Targeted strengthening of the deep stabilising muscles.

    • Proprioception and balance training to improve your joint awareness and reduce clumsiness.

    • Pain management strategies and activity pacing to help you manage fatigue and prevent flare-ups.

  • Chiropractic: Restoring Balance and Function Our chiropractors use a gentle and specific approach. They understand that aggressive manipulation is not appropriate for hypermobile joints. Their focus is on:

    • Assessing both your spine, arms and legs to find areas that are "stuck" or restricted, which often compensate for hypermobile segments.

    • Using low-force adjustments and mobilisations to restore proper motion to these restricted areas, taking stress off overworked joints.

    • Improving nervous system function to enhance muscle activation and body awareness.

  • Massage Therapy: Relieving the Overload Your muscles are the primary stabilisers, and they get exhausted. Our massage therapists provide crucial support by:

    • Releasing chronic tension in overworked muscles (like those in your back, neck, and hips).

    • Reducing pain and calming the nervous system, which can be overstimulated by chronic pain.

    • Improving circulation and promoting recovery between your strengthening sessions.

We work with medical specialists and GP’s to better coordinate your care.