Being flexible is often seen as a positive — whether it’s helping you achieve impressive yoga poses, excel in certain sports, or simply move through a greater range than those around you.

But for some people, joints that move beyond the normal range can create challenges.

Joint hypermobility refers to joints that have more movement than expected due to increased flexibility of the tissues that support them. For some people, this is simply a normal variation and causes no problems. For others, increased joint movement can contribute to pain, feelings of instability, fatigue, and a higher risk of certain injuries.

How Can Hypermobility Affect Adolescents?

The teenage years are a time of significant physical change. Rapid growth, hormonal changes, and increased participation in sport can all place extra demands on a developing body.

For adolescents with joint hypermobility, this can sometimes lead to:

• Recurrent joint pain, particularly around the knees, shoulders, elbows, or ankles
• A feeling that joints are unstable, “loose”, or difficult to control
• Increased frequency of sprains or minor injuries
• Reduced confidence participating in sport or physical activity

Without the right support, these symptoms can affect an adolescent’s ability to stay active and participate fully in the activities they enjoy.

How Can Hypermobility Affect Adults?

Adults with hypermobility may also experience ongoing challenges. Joints that move excessively require the surrounding muscles to work harder to provide stability and control.

Over time, this may contribute to:

• Persistent joint or muscle pain
• Increased risk of soft tissue injuries such as sprains and tendon irritation
• Joint fatigue after everyday activities
• Feelings of stiffness or reduced confidence with movement

Some people with hypermobility also experience symptoms beyond the joints, including general fatigue or difficulty maintaining consistent activity levels.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

The good news is that hypermobility can often be managed effectively with the right approach.

At Mountside Physio + Wellness, our focus is on helping you build strength, confidence, and control so your body can better tolerate the demands of everyday life, work, and sport.

1. Strength and Stability Training

Exercise is one of the most important tools for managing hypermobility.

A personalised strengthening programme can help improve:

• Muscle strength around vulnerable joints
• Joint stability and control
• Balance and coordination
• Confidence with movement

Rather than avoiding movement, the goal is to help your body become stronger and more resilient.

2. Movement Retraining and Education

Understanding your body is a key part of managing hypermobility.

We help patients learn:

• How to control joint movement effectively
• How to modify activities when needed
• How to avoid positions or habits that repeatedly overload joints
• How to gradually build capacity safely

3. Hands-On Treatment When Appropriate

Hands-on physiotherapy techniques may be used alongside exercise to help manage pain, improve movement, and support your rehabilitation goals.

However, the long-term focus is always on helping you develop the strength and confidence to manage your body independently.

You Don’t Have to Stop Doing the Things You Love

Having hypermobile joints doesn’t mean you need to avoid sport, exercise, or an active lifestyle.

With the right guidance, many people with hypermobility can continue doing the activities they enjoy while learning how to better support their body.

At Mountside Physio + Wellness, we take an individualised approach — because no two people with hypermobility experience the same symptoms.

Whether you’re a teenager struggling with recurring injuries, an active adult managing ongoing pain, or simply wanting to better understand your body, our team can help you develop a plan that works for you.

Move better. Feel stronger. Stay active.