23 Jul Joint Hypermobility in Children: What Parents Need to Know
Has your child always been described as “double-jointed” or unusually flexible? While flexibility can be an advantage in activities such as gymnastics or dance, some children experience challenges because their joints move beyond the typical range. This is known as joint hypermobility.
Joint hypermobility occurs when the ligaments and connective tissues around the joints are more flexible than usual. For many children, this causes no difficulties at all. However, for others, it can affect their ability to participate confidently in everyday activities at home, school, and sport.
What are the signs of joint hypermobility?
Every child is different, but common signs may include:
- Frequent complaints of tiredness or fatigue
- Joint pain, particularly after physical activity
- Poor endurance during sport or play
- Difficulty with handwriting or fine motor tasks
- Clumsiness or frequent trips and falls
- Poor posture or difficulty sitting upright for long periods
- Challenges with dressing, using cutlery, or fastening buttons and zips
- Avoiding physical activities because they are “too hard” or uncomfortable
Because the muscles have to work harder to stabilise flexible joints, children with hypermobility often use more energy to complete everyday tasks. By the end of the school day, they may be physically and mentally exhausted.
How can occupational therapy help?
Occupational therapists (OTs) focus on helping children participate successfully in the activities that matter most to them. Rather than trying to reduce flexibility, therapy aims to improve the stability, strength, endurance, and confidence needed for everyday life.
An OT will assess how hypermobility is affecting your child’s daily activities and develop an individualised plan based on their goals. This may include:
- Activities to improve hand, shoulder and core strength
- Exercises to increase joint stability
- Strategies to reduce fatigue and improve endurance
- Support with handwriting, self-care skills and classroom participation
- Recommendations for equipment or environmental modifications where appropriate
- Education for parents and teachers about supporting your child’s participation
Importantly, therapy is practical, fun and tailored to your child’s interests, helping them develop skills they can use every day.
Early support can make a difference
Children with joint hypermobility are often bright, capable and motivated, but they may work much harder than their peers to complete the same tasks. Understanding why activities feel more difficult can reduce frustration and help children build confidence.
With the right strategies and support, children with hypermobility can strengthen their bodies, improve their endurance, and participate successfully in school, sport and everyday life.
Concerned your child may have joint hypermobility? Our experienced paediatric occupational therapists at Kids Plan-it Occupational Therapy can assess your child’s strengths and challenges and develop an individualised therapy plan to support their participation and confidence.