A Blog for Older Adults

Physical Therapy for Hypermobility in Salem, OR: Strength, Stability, and Safer Movement

Written by Dr. Raj Pusuluri, PT, DPT | Jan 23, 2026 4:39:22 AM

Living with hypermobility can feel confusing and frustrating. Your joints may move easily, yet pain, fatigue, or repeated injuries keep showing up.

Many people are told to stretch more or avoid activity altogether. That advice often makes symptoms worse. Physical therapy for hypermobility focuses on building strength, control, and confidence instead of pushing joints past their limits.

For people in Salem, Oregon, physical therapy offers a safe and structured way to manage hypermobility. With the right approach, it is possible to move better, hurt less, and feel more secure in everyday activities.

What hypermobility is and why it can cause pain

Hypermobility means your joints move beyond the typical range. This extra movement can look like flexibility, but it often comes with less control and support.

Understanding joint hypermobility

Joints rely on ligaments and muscles to stay stable. When ligaments are looser, muscles must work harder to keep joints in place.

Over time, this extra effort can lead to soreness and fatigue. Pain often shows up even during simple daily movements.

Hypermobility is not just being flexible

Flexibility without control puts stress on joints. The body may compensate by tightening nearby muscles for protection.

This constant guarding can limit comfort and movement. It also raises the risk of irritation and repeated strain.

Common symptoms linked to hypermobility

Many people notice aching joints, clicking, or popping. These sounds often come from joints moving without enough support.

Fatigue is also common because muscles are always “on.” Without better stability, symptoms tend to repeat instead of settling down.

Can physical therapy help hypermobility? What to know

Physical therapy can be very helpful for people with hypermobility when it is done the right way. The goal is not to increase flexibility, but to improve control and stability.

Why strengthening matters more than stretching

Stretching loose joints can increase instability. Strengthening helps muscles support joints so they move with more control.

This support reduces stress on ligaments. Over time, joints feel more secure and less reactive.

Hypermobility, EDS, and spectrum conditions explained simply

Hypermobility exists on a wide spectrum. Some people are flexible with mild symptoms, while others have frequent pain or instability.

Physical therapy focuses on how your body moves, not on labels. You do not need a specific diagnosis to benefit from treatment.

What physical therapy can and cannot do for hypermobility

Physical therapy cannot change ligament structure. It can improve strength, coordination, and confidence in movement.

The goal is better function and fewer flare-ups. With consistent care, many people feel safer and more comfortable in daily life.

Is physical therapy safe for hypermobility?

Safety is one of the biggest concerns for people with hypermobility. When physical therapy is done correctly, it is designed to protect your joints, not stress them.

Common fears about exercising with hypermobility

Many people worry that exercise will make their joints looser. Others fear increased pain or a higher risk of injury.

These concerns are valid. Hypermobility requires a different approach than standard fitness programs.

Exercises and habits to be careful with when you have hypermobility

Overstretching can increase joint instability. Locking joints at the end of a movement can also place stress on ligaments.

High-impact or uncontrolled movements may irritate joints. Generic online workouts often miss these risks.

Why personalized care matters for hypermobility

Physical therapy for hypermobility is tailored to your body. Exercises stay within safe ranges and focus on control.

One-on-one guidance helps you learn how to move without fear. This careful progression is what makes physical therapy a safe option.

Who is a good candidate for physical therapy for hypermobility

Physical therapy can help many people with hypermobility, even if symptoms look different from person to person. You do not need severe pain or frequent injuries to benefit.

People with chronic joint pain or frequent injuries

Recurring sprains, strains, or joint pain are common signs. These issues often happen because joints lack stable support.

Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles that protect joints. Better support can reduce repeat injuries and lingering pain.

Adults with balance or coordination issues

Hypermobility can affect how your body senses joint position. This can lead to poor balance or feeling unsteady.

Physical therapy uses balance and coordination training to improve joint awareness. This helps movements feel more controlled and confident.

Seniors with joint instability or fatigue

As strength changes with age, hypermobility can feel harder to manage. Fatigue and joint discomfort may increase during daily tasks.

Physical therapy offers gentle stabilization and strength training. The focus stays on safety, comfort, and maintaining independence.

Physical therapy for joint hypermobility and instability

Joint hypermobility often feels unpredictable. A joint may move easily one moment and feel painful or unstable the next.

Joint stabilization exercises explained

Stabilization exercises train muscles to support joints during movement. The focus is on slow, controlled motion rather than speed or force.

These exercises help joints feel more secure. Over time, daily movements become less stressful.

Core and postural strengthening for hypermobility

The core plays a major role in joint stability. When the trunk is strong, the arms and legs move with better control.

Postural strengthening reduces strain on joints during sitting, standing, and walking. This support helps prevent overuse and fatigue.

Balance and coordination training

Hypermobility can affect how the body senses joint position. This makes balance and coordination more challenging.

Physical therapy retrains these systems through guided balance exercises. Improved awareness helps you move with confidence and reduces injury risk.

Managing pain and fatigue with physical therapy for hypermobility

Pain and fatigue are common with hypermobility. Muscles often work harder than they should to protect loose joints.

Why hypermobility can lead to ongoing fatigue

When joints lack stability, muscles stay active all the time. This constant effort can drain energy and lead to soreness.

Over time, even simple tasks can feel exhausting. The body never fully relaxes.

Physical therapy strategies for pain relief

Physical therapy uses gentle strengthening to improve joint support. Better support reduces strain on muscles and ligaments.

Movement is introduced gradually to avoid flare-ups. This steady approach helps calm pain instead of triggering it.

Learning how to move without overdoing it

People with hypermobility often push too hard or avoid movement completely. Neither option works well long term.

Physical therapy teaches pacing and recovery awareness. These skills help you stay active without increasing pain or fatigue.

What happens during physical therapy for hypermobility in Salem, Oregon

Starting physical therapy for hypermobility is focused on understanding how your body moves. Care is paced to protect your joints while building strength and control.

Initial evaluation and movement assessment

Your first visit includes a detailed conversation about your symptoms, history, and daily challenges. The goal is to understand where instability shows up most.

The therapist also checks joint control, strength, balance, and posture. This assessment guides a plan that fits your body, not a generic program.

Treatment techniques used for hypermobility

Treatment centers on strengthening and neuromuscular re-education. Exercises are chosen to improve control without pushing joints past safe ranges.

Postural training is often included to reduce joint strain during daily activities. Progression stays slow and intentional to avoid flare-ups.

Home exercises and self-management strategies

Home exercises are simple and specific. They focus on consistency rather than intensity.

You also learn how to move safely throughout the day. These strategies help you manage symptoms between visits and support long-term progress.

How long does physical therapy take for hypermobility?

Progress with hypermobility is gradual. The goal is steady improvement, not quick fixes.

Factors that affect progress

How unstable your joints feel plays a role in recovery time. Consistency with exercises also makes a big difference.

Daily habits, stress levels, and rest matter too. These factors can speed up or slow down progress.

What progress usually feels like

Early changes often include better control and less fear with movement. Pain may flare less often or feel easier to manage.

As therapy continues, movements feel smoother and more predictable. Confidence usually improves alongside strength.

Signs physical therapy is helping

Joints feel more stable during daily tasks. Balance and coordination often improve.

Many people notice fewer setbacks and less fatigue. These signs show the body is learning to move with better support.

Living well with hypermobility through physical therapy

Living with hypermobility does not mean avoiding movement. The goal is learning how to move in ways that feel safe, controlled, and sustainable.

Preventing injuries and flare-ups

Strong, well-supported joints are less likely to give way. Maintaining strength helps protect joints during everyday tasks.

Awareness of movement patterns also matters. Small adjustments can reduce stress and lower the risk of flare-ups.

Building confidence in everyday movement

Fear often limits activity more than pain itself. Physical therapy helps rebuild trust in your body.

With better control, walking, lifting, and balance feel more predictable. Confidence grows as movements feel safer.

Staying active without fear

Activity supports long-term joint health. The key is choosing movements that support stability rather than strain.

Physical therapy helps you find safe routines you can maintain. Staying active becomes part of daily life, not something to fear.

Why choose HWY Physical Therapy for hypermobility in Salem, OR

Choosing the right physical therapy clinic matters when you are managing hypermobility. Care needs to be careful, consistent, and tailored to how your body responds.

Individualized care for joint instability

At HWY Physical Therapy, treatment is one-on-one and personalized. Exercises and progressions are chosen based on your joint control, not just flexibility.

This approach helps protect unstable joints. It also builds strength and confidence at a pace your body can tolerate.

Experience with chronic and complex movement issues

Hypermobility often comes with long-term pain or recurring setbacks. Physical therapy focuses on understanding these patterns instead of pushing through them.

Care emphasizes education, safe movement, and realistic progress. This helps you feel supported throughout the process.

Convenient and supportive Salem location

HWY Physical Therapy is located at the Center 50+ in the Salem City Building. The location is easy to access for Salem residents.

Patients receive clear guidance and ongoing support. Feeling heard and understood is part of the care experience.

Topics to Read Further

If you want to better understand hypermobility and how to manage it safely, these trusted topics are worth exploring.

Contact HWY PT for Expert Advice and Support

You do not have to manage hypermobility on your own. If joint pain, instability, or fatigue are affecting your daily life, physical therapy can help.

HWY Physical Therapy offers one-on-one care focused on building strength and control without pushing your joints too far. Treatment is designed to support safer movement and long-term confidence.

If you are in Salem, Oregon, help is close by.
Call Dr. Raj at HWY Physical Therapy to discuss your symptoms and next steps.

Location: Center 50+, Salem City Building
Phone: 971-202-1979