How Certified Hand Therapists Can Help
Hypermobility can be a confusing and often misunderstood condition. For some, it’s the ability to bend and stretch in ways others may find impressive. But for many people, especially those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS,) connective tissue disorders or generalized joint hypermobility, it can mean chronic pain, fatigue, instability, and a frustrating cycle of injury. When hypermobility affects the wrists, hands, elbows, and shoulders, it can complicate daily activities, fine motor tasks, and even restful sleep.
Fortunately, skilled support from an Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can make a tremendous difference. Here’s what you need to know about how hypermobility affects the upper extremities and how a CHT can help you build strength, protect your joints, and improve quality of life.
What Does Hypermobility Mean?
Hypermobility refers to joints that move beyond typical range of motion. People who have hypermobility may say that they are “double jointed.” These people have a lack of strength or extra length in the body’s connective tissues: cartilage, ligaments, tendons as well as structures that support the skin and internal organs.
Conditions that cause hypermobility or generalized connective tissue laxity have genetic origins and are linked to the density and organization of fibers such as collagen. While some people experience no issues with their extra flexibility, others develop pain, weakness, and recurring injuries due to the lack of joint stability. Hypermobility on its own is not always a problematic condition.
As a CHT, I frequently see people who are having issues due to their laxity, instability or hypermobility. When hypermobility shows up in the upper extremity, the following joints may be most affected:
- Wrists: Prone to sprains and discomfort during weight-bearing activities or typing tasks.
- Hands: Finger joints may “collapse” during fine motor tasks, leading to pain or decreased grip strength.
- Elbows: Hyperextension or locking can create irritation or nerve sensitivity.
- Shoulders: Susceptible to frequent subluxations (partial dislocations) or muscle fatigue from compensating for instability.
How Certified Hand Therapists Can Help
Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are specially trained with advanced expertise in the upper extremity. For those dealing with hypermobility, CHTs provide a whole-body approach and tools to support joint protection, strength, and control.
Here are key areas where a CHT offer support to someone with hypermobility:
Joint Protection Education
Learn to move and engage in daily tasks in ways that reduce stress on unstable joints. Techniques may include:
- Avoiding positions that place excessive strain on ligamentous tissues
- Using larger joints or adaptive tools for forceful tasks (like opening jars)
- Ergonomic setup for workspaces and keyboard use
Functional Adaptations and Activity Modification
Rather than forcing painful movements, or working too hard at daily activities, we suggest different methods of functioning during routine daily activities, such as:
- Using assistive devices to support gripping and lifting
- Customized strategies to limit hyperextension during cooking, gardening, or crafting
- Integrating pacing and energy conservation when fatigue is a factor
Orthoses (Bracing)
Bracing isn’t just for immobilizing after injury. For those with hypermobility, orthoses can provide proprioceptive cues or stabilize joints during activity to prevent injury, such as:
- Finger splints that prevent collapse during typing or writing
- Wrist supports for weighted yoga poses or exercise
- Elbow sleeves or shoulder taping to support alignment and muscle activation
Proprioceptive Training
Proprioception is your body’s awareness of joint position and movement. This awareness is often reduced in individuals who have hypermobility. Gaining awareness of your body’s movement through space involves techniques like:
- Graded sensory feedback exercises
- Tactile cueing through taping or compression
- Weight-bearing sequences starting in low-load positions
Stabilization and Strengthening Exercises
Strength is one of the most effective ways to overcome joint instability. But, it is important to have individualized exercises that are safe AND effective:
- Isometric strengthening to activate muscles without over-stretching tissues
- Closed-chain strengthening (ex: using resistance bands or light weights)
- Scapular and trunk strengthening to support distal joint health
Pain Management
For some people experiencing hypermobility, pain may be a daily life challenge. Strategies for pain management:
- Diaphragmatic breathing to calm the nervous system
- Planning ahead and pacing to avoid overdoing
- Synchronized breath-to-movement and mindfulness practices
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Kinesthetic elastic taping
- Myofascial trigger point dry needling
When to Seek Help
If you’re living with hypermobility and noticing:
- Frequent joint pain, stiffness, or fatigue
- Lack of coordination or decreased strength in your hands or arms
- Joint “giving way,” popping out, or frequent sprains
- Difficulty with daily activities like writing, typing, cooking, or self-care
A OT, Certified Hand Therapist may be a valuable part of your care team.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, managing EDS, or navigating unexplained upper limb pain, CHTs can blend science and creativity to help strengthen your body and build confidence in your movement.
Hypermobility doesn’t have to define what you can do with your hands, arms, or life. With the right support, you can move from feeling fragile to empowered.
If you’re in need of individualized guidance from an experienced OT, CHT and live near Evanston, IL, click below to explore my website. Discover how a tailored approach can help you protect your joints, optimize your function, and thrive with hypermobility.
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