Hypermobility

The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth has a specialist multi-disciplinary hypermobility unit. The team is made up of rheumatologists, pain specialists, psychology, gastro-intestinal specialists and six specialist physiotherapists. It receives referrals from GPs and specialists from London and further afield. The unit is led by Professor Rodney Grahame, a leading specialist in Joint Hypermobility Syndrome.

What is Hypermobility Syndrome?

Connective tissue proteins such as collagen help to give the body its internal strength. With Hypermobility Syndrome these connective tissues are formed differently. This mainly affects the body's "moving parts" - the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments – which are usually more flexible than is the case for most people. This joint laxity can leave individuals more vulnerability to injury, but there is evidence to show that specific, regular exercise is useful in protecting joints.

Hypermobility Syndrome is usually only diagnosed once someone is symptomatic and may affect only a minority of hypermobile people. The condition affects different parts the body in different ways. At one end of the spectrum are the disease presentations with the potentially serious complications such as Marfan Syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Vascular Type (formally EDS IV). These are rare however and affect a tiny number of people. At the other end of the spectrum is Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (BJHS) and Ehlers-Danlos Hypermobile Type (formerly EDS III), which may be one and the same. This is much more common and symptoms can include joint and muscle pain, fatigue and stiffness.

The benefits of regular exercise and being fit have been well documented to help joint hypermobility syndrome. If you are in pain or deconditioned you may benefit from the input of a physiotherapist.

The benefits of exercising include:

1. Increased muscle strength
2. Improved sleep patterns
3. More energy to sustain the events of the day
4. Better digestion
5. Improved circulation
6. Stabilisation of blood pressure
7. Improved heart and lung function
8. Improved kidney function
9. Improved posture
10. Stabilisation of blood sugar levels
11. Improved concentration and improved mental function
12. Increased ability to cope with stress
13. Prevention of disease
14. Faster recovery from illness and injury

We have a team of physiotherapists available to assess and treat you. Should you need onward referral to other specialists we also have access and good communication links to podiatrists, occupational/ hand therapists, Clinical Psychologists, and a Neurogastroenterologist.

Patients who have any concerns regarding Hypermobility should call Central Health Physiotherapy on 020 7404 6343

Lucy Butler, Physiotherapist, The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth