Navigating Hypermobility with Dr. Rachel Sobczak, PT, DPT
Have you been diagnosed with or even think you might have hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS)? If so, I am so glad you’re here.
My own path (I myself have HSD) has led me to a deep interest in how I can, as a physical therapist, support those in my community with hypermobility.
If you find yourself bending and stretching beyond the ordinary, or if certain movements feel more like a curse than a blessing, you're not alone. And more importantly, there's a world of support waiting for you, especially in the realm of physical therapy.
This complex condition, with its wide array of symptoms—from joint instability and chronic pain to soft tissue injuries and more—requires a nuanced, deeply empathetic approach to treatment. As someone who has dealt with hypermobility my entire life, I have a unique understanding of what this condition can feel like.
Though I have my own lived experience of hypermobility (HSD), HSD and/or hEDS presents differently in each individual. My role as your doctor is to help you find the best, individual approach to YOUR specific needs. What does that look like; well, let’s dive in.
Understanding Hypermobility: The First Step to Empowerment
Hypermobility isn't just about being "extra flexible." It's a complex condition that affects connective tissues, leading to a range of symptoms from joint pain to frequent injuries. The first thing I will do as a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) is provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what hypermobility means for your body specifically. Knowledge is power, and understanding your condition is the first step in managing it effectively. People with hypermobility or hEDS have often had difficult experiences with medical or therapeutic interventions in the past. These interventions may have been unhelpful or might even have exacerbated symptoms. I believe in starting with an in-depth history and hearing your individual story so that we can work together to not repeat past mistakes.
I am an evidence-based practitioner and have studied EDS through the EDS ECHO series presented by the Ehlers-Danlos Society along with studying many research articles, some of which are listed in this article’s references.
Tailored Exercises: Building Strength and Stability
One of the core ways PT can help is through personalized exercise programs. But we're not talking about your standard gym routine. For those with hypermobility, the focus is on building strength around the joints, enhancing stability, and improving overall body awareness.
For people with HSD or hEDS, the most common initial complaint is usually pain along with soft tissue injuries, strains/sprains, subluxations/dislocations, and often a complaint of stiffness. Though the complaint of stiffness may seem at odds with the diagnosis of hypermobility, the feeling is often a reflection of current/past injuries, muscle spasms or general aging. The feeling of stiffness can be present even with normal or even hypermobile range of motion (ROM). This discrepancy is often why untrained PT’s may have a hard time treating patients appropriately.
The exercise programs I will design for you will be focused on protecting your joints, minimizing your risk of injuries, and ultimately, aimed at making your daily activities more manageable and less painful. It's about using movement to re-educate your muscles so that you can find the right balance between flexibility and control, ensuring that you can enjoy a wide range of activities without the fear of discomfort.
Manual Therapies: Hands-On Healing
With 60-75 minute sessions, every visit will include both movement/mobility work and various manual therapy techniques. Manual therapies can work wonders for someone with hypermobility. The hands-on techniques I utilize in my practice include myofascial tissue releases, joint mobilization techniques using oscillatory and gentle mobilizations, craniosacral work, neural mobilizations, therapeutic cupping and more. Implementing the right manual therapies can make a profound impact on alleviating pain, improving joint alignment, and enhancing movement efficiency.
These therapies are not just about immediate relief; they're about working with your body to create long-lasting changes that support your health and well-being.
A Supportive Partnership: Your Journey, Our Mission
Embarking on a PT program for hypermobility isn't just about the exercises or therapies; it's about building a partnership. As your physical therapist, my role is to be there to guide, support, and motivate you through every step of your journey. As someone who also has hypermobility, I can understand the unique challenges hypermobility presents and I am dedicated to finding solutions that work for YOU.
This is a collaborative effort, one where your insights, feelings, and experiences are valued and integral to the treatment plan.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you're navigating the complexities of hypermobility, know that you're not alone. My goal is to help you find a better understanding of your body, enhance your physical capabilities, and ultimately, help you live a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
Small steps leading to big changes, I’ll be here to guide you through each one.
Reach out today, and let's embark on this journey together. Your story is unique, and your treatment should be too. Welcome to a world where flexibility meets strength, and where every movement is a step towards balance and well-being.
Research:
Atwell K, Michael W, Dubey J, James S, Martonffy A, Anderson S, Rudin N, Schrager S. Diagnosis and Management of Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders in Primary Care. J Am Board Fam Med. 2021 Jul-Aug;34(4):838-848. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2021.04.200374. PMID: 34312277.
Keer, Rosemary & Butler, Katherine. (2010). Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy in the Hypermobile Adult. 10.1016/B978-0-7020-3005-5.00013-6.
Keer, PT, Rosemary. “Physical therapy for hypermobility”. https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/information/physical-therapy-for-hypermobility/
Simmonds JV, Keer R: Hypermobility and Hypermobility Syndrome, Part 2: assessment and management illustrated via case studies, Manual Therapy, e Pub.13, e1-11, 2008
Leslie N Russek, Examination and Treatment of a Patient With Hypermobility Syndrome, Physical Therapy, Volume 80, Issue 4, 1 April 2000, Pages 386–398, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/80.4.386