Physiotherapy for Hypermobility & Connective Tissue Disorders
What is Hypermobility?
The condition may be related to a family history or might occur when these connective tissues are looser or more stretched than usual, resulting in joints that move too freely and may lack the necessary support. Hypermobility can range from affecting multiple joints (generalised hypermobility) to just a few (localised hypermobility). In some instances, it may be part of a broader condition like Ehlers-Danlos joint hypermobility syndrome, a connective tissue disorder.
Recognising the Signs of Hypermobility in Your Child
Hypermobility, or excessive joint flexibility, can present a variety of signs and symptoms. One parent shared how their child, often hesitant to move and tiring quickly, began looking forward to physiotherapy sessions. Thanks to those consistent sessions, “my child is very engaged with the therapist and looks forward to her sessions… a very positive result to my child’s mobility and muscle strength.” It’s a simple example of how, even when fatigue and weakness suggest hypermobility, steady, engaging therapy can make a clear difference. Here’s what to watch for:
Joint Pain
Children may complain of joint pain, which might affect one or multiple joints and can happen without any obvious injury.
Fatigue
Kids with hypermobility often feel tired because their muscles work harder to compensate for unstable joints. This might make them seem less active or more easily fatigued.
Muscle Weakness
Weak muscles experiencing joint hypermobility can lead to more pain and instability. Building strong muscles is essential to manage symptoms and prevent injuries.
Joint Instability
You might notice that your child’s joints feel unstable or “give way,” which can make them hesitant to move or participate in activities.
Complications of Hypermobility
(Connective Tissue Disorders)
Connective tissue disorders affecting children with hypermobility spectrum disorder can impact more than just their joints. These conditions may affect the strength and elasticity of skin, muscles, and internal organs. Research shows children and adolescents with joint hypermobility face significantly elevated risks of soft‑tissue injuries such as sprains, subluxations, and dislocations especially in sports or active play, compared with their peers. Moreover, a narrative review found that up to 50 % of hypermobile children experience coordination difficulties, which may affect daily activities and motor skills at home and school.
Some children may have soft, stretchy, or fragile skin that bruises easily or heals slowly. Poor connective tissue support can also contribute to issues with posture, coordination, and balance. In some cases, digestion can be affected, leading to constipation or stomach discomfort. Because the connective tissue is involved in many systems of the body, some children may also experience fatigue, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities that make daily activities more challenging.
How Paediatric Physiotherapy Supports
Children & with Hypermobility
Builds Joint Support
Targeted exercises help stabilise hypermobile joints, reducing pain and injury risk.
Helps Manage Fatigue
Pacing strategies reduce overexertion and support daily activity.
Boosts Coordination
Therapy enhances motor control for safer, more confident movement.
Develops Motor Skills
Activities help promote milestones such as walking, running, and climbing.
Our Approach at Leaping Kids
At Leaping Kids, we offer personalised, compassionate physiotherapy for children with hypermobility. Natasha Ardiles, our lead physiotherapist, brings a strong academic and clinical foundation to her work, holding a Master’s in Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Medical Science. With years of experience specialising in paediatric physiotherapy, particularly supporting children with disabilities and developmental challenges, her care is both deeply informed and genuinely empathetic. Every child is unique, so we tailor our approach to meet their specific needs.
We begin with a thorough assessment of your child’s joint flexibility, muscle strength, and coordination to create a customised therapy plan that targets their individual challenges and goals. Our holistic approach includes strengthening exercises, balance training, and pain management. Through fun, age-appropriate activities, we help build joint stability, improve coordination, and boost confidence in daily tasks.
With mobile physiotherapy across Sydney, we bring expert care to your home or school, making therapy more accessible and consistent. We work closely with families to support your child’s development and independence.
Why Families Choose Leaping Kids
Finding the right physiotherapist for your child isn’t just about treatment. It’s about trust. At Leaping Kids, we take the time to truly understand your child’s strengths, challenges and goals, creating a plan that feels personal and full of care.
Whether your little one needs help with balance, coordination, recovery or confidence, our therapy is always gentle, effective and guided by play. Every session is designed to support not just your child’s growth, but your family’s peace of mind.
We’re based in Sydney and make physiotherapy simple, flexible and family-friendly — offering home, school or clinic sessions that fit your schedule. With Leaping Kids, you’ll have a partner who celebrates progress with you, every step of the way.
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