Hypermobility
Managing joints that move beyond typical range — common in gymnasts and dancers.
Hypermobility is an asset in gymnastics and dance and a liability if the strength to control that range never develops. The management principle is straightforward and often the opposite of what people expect: build strength through the available range rather than restricting the range itself.
What we look at
What it looks like
Joints moving beyond typical range, sometimes with fatigue, aching after activity, or a sense of instability.
Why it matters in sport
Range without control means load lands at the end of range rather than being managed through it — which is where injury tends to happen.
Management
Strength through range, proprioceptive and control work, and load monitoring across a training week that often includes multiple sessions a day.
Working with coaches
In gymnastics and dance the training environment is central. Plans that ignore the coach and the competition calendar don't get followed.
What to expect
Your appointment, stage by stage.
Assessment
History, physical examination, gait and movement analysis, and objective strength testing where it's relevant. We're building a picture of what the limb can currently tolerate.
Diagnosis
A clear explanation of what's happening and why — in plain language, with the reasoning shown. Imaging or onward referral where it will change the plan.
Treatment
A staged plan combining manual therapy, exercise prescription, footwear or orthotic support and activity modification, weighted to what your presentation actually needs.
Follow-up
Re-testing against the baseline so progress is measured, not assumed, and the plan adjusts as capacity improves.
Common questions
Hypermobility, answered.
Should a hypermobile child stop stretching?
Not necessarily, but the balance usually needs to shift toward strength and control work, which is often the missing element.
Is hypermobility a medical condition?
It exists on a spectrum from normal variation through to conditions warranting broader assessment. If features suggest the latter, we'll refer appropriately.
Can they still compete?
Yes — and many do so at a high level. It's about managing load and building control, not withdrawing.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're in pain, an assessment is the only way to know what's actually happening — book online or call 9284 0736.
