How to Help a Child with Hypermobility?

Helping a child with hypermobility involves building muscle strength, improving joint stability, encouraging safe physical activity, and providing the right support for everyday movements. Child Hypermobility in London is an important area of paediatric care, as children with flexible joints may experience discomfort, tiredness, poor coordination, or difficulty participating in physical activities. With appropriate exercises, professional guidance, and a supportive routine, children can develop better movement control and confidence. At Adelaide Children's Physio, we provide personalised paediatric physiotherapy to help children improve their physical abilities and enjoy everyday activities.

What Is Hypermobility in Children?

 

Hypermobility refers to joints that move beyond the usual range of movement. Children with hypermobility often have particularly flexible joints, which may allow them to bend their fingers, elbows, knees, or other body parts further than expected.

Some children have joint hypermobility without experiencing any problems. However, others may experience symptoms that affect their daily activities.

Common signs include:

• Frequent joint or muscle pain.
• Tiredness after physical activities.
• Difficulty maintaining balance.
• Frequent trips or falls.
• Muscle weakness.
• Difficulty with coordination.
• Discomfort after walking, running, or standing for long periods.

Hypermobility is not necessarily a medical problem. However, when it causes pain, fatigue, or movement difficulties, professional assessment can help identify the right support.

 

Why Does a Child Develop Hypermobility?

 

Joint hypermobility can occur for several reasons. In many children, it is related to inherited differences in connective tissue, which provides support to joints, muscles, and other structures.

Some children naturally have more flexible joints, particularly during childhood. Their flexibility may change as they grow and develop.

Other contributing factors may include:

 

1. Genetic Factors: Joint flexibility can run in families, meaning children may inherit naturally flexible joints from their parents.

2. Connective Tissue Differences: Connective tissue helps stabilise joints. Differences in its structure can contribute to increased joint flexibility.

3. Muscle Weakness: Reduced muscle strength may make it harder for children to control and stabilise their joints during movement.

4. Developmental Factors: Children's bodies are constantly changing as they grow. Some may experience temporary coordination or strength challenges during different developmental stages.

 

If hypermobility is accompanied by persistent pain, unusual fatigue, or other concerning symptoms, a healthcare professional should assess the child.

 

How to Help a Child with Hypermobility?

 

Supporting a child with hypermobility requires a balanced approach. The aim is not to reduce their natural flexibility but to improve muscle strength, joint stability, coordination, and movement control.

Here are some practical ways parents can help.

 

1. Encourage Gentle Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises can help children develop the muscles that support their joints.

Stronger muscles provide better control during everyday movements and physical activities.

Suitable exercises may include:

• Gentle squats.
• Supported standing exercises.
• Controlled step-ups.
• Core strengthening activities.
• Age-appropriate resistance exercises.

Exercises should be selected according to the child's abilities and performed with appropriate guidance.

At Adelaide Children's Physio, personalised physiotherapy programmes can help children work towards improved strength and stability.

 

2. Improve Balance and Coordination

Some children with hypermobility experience difficulties with balance and body awareness.

Activities that encourage controlled movements can help improve coordination and confidence.

Parents can introduce suitable activities such as:

• Walking along a straight line.
• Standing on one leg with support.
• Playing gentle ball games.
• Stepping over low obstacles.
• Practising controlled movements during play.

Always supervise children during physical activities and adapt exercises to their abilities.

 

3. Avoid Overstretching the Joints

Children with hypermobility already have increased joint flexibility. Regularly encouraging them to stretch further may place unnecessary stress on their joints.

Instead of focusing on flexibility, encourage activities that improve strength and control.

Parents should avoid asking children to demonstrate extreme joint movements or repeatedly lock their knees and elbows.

A physiotherapist can recommend appropriate exercises based on the child's individual needs.

 

4. Choose Suitable Physical Activities

Children with hypermobility should not automatically avoid exercise. Staying active is important for maintaining muscle strength, coordination, and overall health.

Low-impact activities may be suitable, depending on the child's symptoms and abilities.

Examples include:

• Swimming.
• Walking.
• Cycling.
• Gentle dancing.
• Controlled strengthening games.

The key is to find enjoyable activities that do not cause excessive discomfort or fatigue.

 

5. Encourage Good Posture and Body Awareness

Maintaining comfortable posture during everyday activities can help children develop better movement habits.

Parents can encourage children to:

• Sit comfortably with proper support.
• Avoid maintaining one position for too long.
• Change positions regularly.
• Use comfortable footwear.
• Take breaks during activities.

Small changes to daily routines can help children manage discomfort and participate more comfortably.

 

6. Allow Enough Rest and Recovery

Children with symptomatic hypermobility may experience fatigue after physical activities.

Encourage regular breaks and a balanced routine that includes physical activity, relaxation, and sufficient sleep.

Avoid pushing children to continue an activity when they experience pain or significant tiredness.

If pain persists or interferes with everyday life, seek professional advice.

 

How Can Paediatric Physiotherapy Help Children with Hypermobility?

Paediatric physiotherapy can play an important role in helping children manage symptomatic hypermobility.

A paediatric physiotherapist assesses the child's muscle strength, joint movement, balance, posture, coordination, and functional abilities.

Based on the assessment, an individualised programme may include:

Strengthening exercises: Activities that develop the muscles supporting the joints.

Balance training: Exercises that improve stability and body control.

Movement coordination: Activities that help children perform everyday movements more confidently.

Postural guidance: Support with comfortable positioning and movement habits.

Functional exercises: Activities designed around everyday tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, and playing.

At Adelaide Children's Physio, we understand that every child has different physical needs. Our child-focused approach aims to make physiotherapy engaging while helping children develop skills that support their everyday independence.

 

What Is the Connection Between Hypermobility and Scoliosis?

 

Hypermobility and scoliosis are two different conditions, although they can sometimes occur in the same child.

Hypermobility involves increased movement in the joints, while scoliosis refers to an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine.

Children with scoliosis may have uneven shoulders, an asymmetrical waist, or one side of the back appearing more prominent.

If your child has spinal curvature or posture concerns, professional assessment is important.

Physiotherapy for scoliosis children in London may help support posture, spinal movement, muscle strength, and physical function, depending on the child's needs.

Physiotherapy does not necessarily correct the spinal curve, but an individualised programme can help children manage physical difficulties and maintain activity.

At Adelaide Children's Physio, we recognise the importance of personalised care for children experiencing different musculoskeletal challenges.

 

When Should Parents Seek Professional Help?

 

Parents should consider arranging a physiotherapy assessment if their child:

• Frequently complains of joint or muscle pain.
• Experiences repeated falls or injuries.
• Avoids physical activities because of discomfort.
• Becomes unusually tired after exercise.
• Struggles with balance or coordination.
• Has difficulty participating in school or sports activities.

Early assessment can help identify movement difficulties and provide suitable recommendations.

 

Why Choose Adelaide Children's Physio?

 

Finding the right physiotherapy support can make a meaningful difference in a child's physical development and confidence.

At Adelaide Children's Physio , we focus on understanding each child's individual needs and creating suitable treatment approaches.

Our aim is to help children:

• Develop better muscle strength.
• Improve balance and coordination.
• Build confidence during movement.
• Manage physical discomfort.
• Participate more comfortably in everyday activities.

Whether your child experiences joint hypermobility, movement difficulties, or postural concerns, our child-focused approach aims to support their physical well-being.

Give your child the right support to move with greater confidence!

 

Contact Adelaide Children's Physio today to discuss your child's physiotherapy needs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1. Can a child grow out of hypermobility?

Some children become less flexible as they grow older and their muscles develop. However, this varies from child to child. Some may continue experiencing hypermobility into adulthood.

 

2. Is hypermobility painful for children?

Not always. Some children have flexible joints without symptoms, while others may experience joint pain, muscle fatigue, and discomfort after physical activities.

 

3. What exercises are best for children with hypermobility?

Gentle strengthening, balance, coordination, and controlled movement exercises are often helpful. A paediatric physiotherapist can recommend suitable activities.

 

4. Should children with hypermobility avoid sports?

No. Physical activity is generally encouraged. Children should choose suitable activities and avoid movements that cause excessive pain or strain.

 

5. Can physiotherapy help with child hypermobility?

Yes. Physiotherapy can help improve muscle strength, joint stability, balance, coordination, and movement control.

 

6. Is hypermobility linked to scoliosis?

They are separate conditions, but they can sometimes occur together. A healthcare professional can assess spinal alignment and joint symptoms.

 

7. When should I take my child to a physiotherapist?

Consider an assessment if your child experiences persistent joint pain, frequent falls, poor coordination, muscle fatigue, or difficulty participating in everyday activities.