Hypermobility

At Schroth DC, we recognize that scoliosis is often connected to more than just spinal alignment. Many of our patients also present with hypermobility syndromes, which can complicate posture, stability, and long-term management.

Understanding Hypermobility

Hypermobility refers to joints that move beyond the normal range of motion. While this may seem like increased “flexibility,” it often comes at the cost of joint stability, muscular support, and proprioception. Individuals with hypermobility may also experience:

• Muscle fatigue and pain

• Postural instability

• Frequent sprains or injuries

• Difficulty building strength or maintaining alignment

Hypermobility and Scoliosis

For people with scoliosis, hypermobility presents unique challenges:

• Spinal Instability: Excessive joint laxity can make it harder to maintain corrections and resist curve progression.

• Low Muscle Tone: Many hypermobile individuals have reduced baseline muscle tone, limiting natural spinal support.

• Neuromuscular Demands: The body must work harder to stabilize, often leading to overuse, compensation patterns, and fatigue.

Common Conditions We See

At Schroth DC, we frequently work with patients who have scoliosis alongside hypermobility-related conditions, including:

• Generalized Hypermobility Syndrome

• Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

• Dysautonomia (nervous system dysregulation affecting circulation, heart rate, and fatigue)

• Low muscle tone (“hypotonia”) in children and adults

These conditions often overlap, creating a complex picture of instability, fatigue, and autonomic symptoms that require a specialized, patient-centered approach.

Our Approach

We integrate Schroth-based principles with targeted strategies for hypermobility, focusing on:

• Postural Alignment: Training the body to find and hold optimal spinal positioning despite joint laxity.

• Stability & Strength: Progressive strengthening of deep stabilizers and postural muscles to compensate for ligamentous laxity.

• Proprioception & Body Awareness: Improving balance, coordination, and joint position sense.

• Energy Management: Respecting fatigue thresholds and pacing to support conditions like POTS and dysautonomia.

• Breathing & Autonomic Regulation: Using breathwork and alignment strategies to reduce strain, improve circulation, and support autonomic function.

Why Specialized Care Matters

Hypermobility and scoliosis require more than a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Our therapists are experienced in tailoring exercise progressions to create stability without overloading fragile joints, building confidence in movement, and helping patients manage symptoms across the musculoskeletal and autonomic systems.