Can Online Physiotherapy Really Help Hypermobility in the UK?

If you live with hypermobility syndrome or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos (hEDS), you’ve probably been told that physiotherapy is one of the best ways to manage your symptoms. But what if you don’t have a specialist near you? Or travelling to appointments feels impossible when you’re in pain or exhausted?

That’s where online physiotherapy comes in. More people across the UK are turning to remote physio sessions - but many are still unsure. Can it really work for something as complex as hypermobility? Let’s look at the evidence, the practicalities, and how online physiotherapy can support you no matter where you live.

Why Physiotherapy Matters in Hypermobility

Hypermobility can cause:

• Joint pain and frequent sprains

• Muscle fatigue and weakness

• Poor proprioception (body awareness)

• Postural problems, especially with desk work or studying

• Anxiety around movement due to injury risk

  
  

Physiotherapy helps by strengthening muscles, improving joint control, pacing activity and building confidence. Over time, this can reduce pain, boost energy and make daily life more manageable.

Traditionally, people think of physio as “hands-on” treatment: massage, joint mobilisation or manipulation. But for hypermobility the most effective treatments are actually:

• Tailored exercise programmes

• Lifestyle and pacing strategies

• Postural advice

• Education on flare-up management

  
  

👉 All of which can be delivered just as effectively online.

What Does Online Physiotherapy for Hypermobility in the UK Look Like?

Remote physiotherapy takes place through a secure video call, using your laptop, tablet or even phone. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Assessment – your physio takes a detailed history and guides you through simple movements on camera to understand your symptoms.

2. Diagnosis & Planning – together, you’ll identify the key challenges and set realistic goals.

3. Exercise Prescription – your physio demonstrates exercises and checks your technique while you copy them at home.

4. Lifestyle & Ergonomics – advice on pacing, sleep, desk set-up and day-to-day adjustments.

5. Follow-up – regular reviews to adapt your plan and support you through flare-ups.

   
   

Most patients are surprised at how much can be achieved online. In fact, many report feeling more empowered because they’re learning to manage their condition independently.

Is Online Physiotherapy Effective for Hypermobility?

The short answer: yes. Research shows that:

• Exercise therapy is the cornerstone of hypermobility management. Studies (e.g. Barton & Bird, 2013; Ferrell et al., 2004) demonstrate improvements in strength, pain and quality of life with structured exercise programmes.

• Education and pacing strategies reduce flare-ups. These are based on communication and guidance not manual therapy.

• Telehealth physiotherapy has been shown to achieve outcomes equal to in-person care in musculoskeletal conditions (Cottrell et al., 2017; Kruse et al., 2017).

  
  

Since hypermobility treatment is primarily about exercise, pacing and lifestyle management online delivery works extremely well.

The Advantages of Remote Physiotherapy in the UK

Beyond its effectiveness, online physiotherapy offers unique benefits for hypermobility patients in the UK:

• Specialist access across the UK – You’re no longer limited to local physios who may not understand hypermobility.

• Energy saving – No need to travel, which is vital if fatigue is one of your biggest struggles.

• Flexibility – Appointments can fit around uni timetables, work shifts or flare-ups.

• Consistency – You can continue care even if you move city, ideal for students and professionals.

• Confidence – Learning to manage your symptoms in your own environment makes the strategies more realistic and sustainable.

  
  

What About Hands-On Treatment?

It’s true that manual therapy (massage, joint mobilisation) can feel good in the short term. But for hypermobility, it’s not the core solution. In fact, over-stretching or repeated manipulation can sometimes make symptoms worse.

The long-term improvements come from:

• Building muscle strength

• Improving joint control

• Developing pacing and flare-up management skills

  
  

These are exactly the areas where online physiotherapy shines. If you still want occasional hands-on therapy, you can combine remote specialist sessions with local in-person care.

Who Should Consider Online Hypermobility Physiotherapy?

• Students moving between home and university

• People in rural areas with limited local options

• Professionals struggling with desk-based jobs

• Parents who can’t easily travel to appointments

• Anyone who has felt dismissed or misunderstood by general physios or other healthcare professionals

  
  

If this sounds like you, online sessions can provide the specialist, consistent support you need.

How to Get Started

1. Book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your symptoms and goals.

2. Decide if online physiotherapy feels right for you.

3. Begin your tailored plan and start building strength, confidence, and control.

Key Takeaways

• Online physiotherapy is evidence-based and effective for hypermobility.

• It focuses on the treatments that matter most: exercise, pacing, lifestyle changes and education.

• Remote Hypermobility Physiotherapy sessions provide UK wide access saving time and energy.

• Patients often feel more empowered because they learn to manage symptoms independently.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I hope you have enjoyed this article and found it helpful.

For more personalised one-to-one support with any aspect of Hypermobility Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder or Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome please do get in touch with me.

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Book a 30 minute, complimentary call with me to discuss your symptoms and how they could benefit from one-to-one support here at my clinic in Cardiff or via my UK wide remote hypermobility service.