Take Control of the “Trifecta”: hEDS, POTS & MCAS
Evidence-Based Rehabilitation for Hypermobility & Dysautonomia
Tired of flare-ups, chronic joint pain, brain fog, and postural dizziness? Discover a multi-system physiotherapy approach, from a physiotherapist with a clinical interest in hypermobility, that respects your nervous system, builds true joint stability without aggressive stretching, and aims to help with the cycle of fatigue.
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Mitchell Robinson
MSK & Hypermobility Physiotherapist
Hypermobility is not a fragility sentence. When we respect autonomic limits, eliminate end-range stretching, and load in safe mid-ranges, hypermobile bodies build stability and strength remarkably well.
Why Does Everything Feel Connected—And Hard to Treat?
If you live with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), you already know that joint flexibility is only a fraction of the story. Connective tissue, autonomic nerves, and mast cells interact across every system in your body.
The “Hypermobility Trifecta”
Many patients experience a baffling cluster of chronic symptoms: recurrent joint subluxations and deep aching, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) with racing heart rates and lightheadedness, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) driving allergic flushing and gut distress. When one system flares, it triggers a cascade across the others.
Breaking the “Boom-and-Bust” Cycle
Traditional physio often fails by prescribing aggressive end-range stretching and ignoring delayed muscle soreness (DOMS), which lasts 4 to 5 days in hypermobile bodies. Pushing through high pain causes systemic regression. We provide a structured pacing framework that protects your energy budget.
Why Standard Physical Therapy Often Fails Hypermobile Bodies
- Aggressive End-Range Stretching — Stretching tight-feeling muscles pulls directly on lax joint capsules, worsening micro-instability and triggering protective muscle spasms.
- Prolonged 4-to-5 Day DOMS — Hypermobile individuals experience double the duration of post-exercise soreness. Pushing through severe soreness causes autonomic fatigue and systemic flares.
- Rapid Postural Transitions — Fast floor-to-stand transitions trigger POTS tachycardia, blood pooling in the lower limbs, and autonomic threat responses.
- De-Pathologising Your Body — We never label you as “fragile” or “broken”. Hypermobility is a manageable physical trait that requires specific mid-range loading rules.
- Neurodivergent-Affirming Care — We recognise the significant clinical overlap between hypermobility, ADHD, Autism, dysautonomia, and gut sensitivities, adapting pacing to your needs.
Physiotherapy in Mango Hill & North Lakes
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Phase 1: Autonomic Regulation & Pacing
We establish your personal “energy budget” to help manage the boom-and-bust cycle. Exercise begins in recumbent or floor-based positions to eliminate orthostatic stress and help manage POTS symptoms.
- Horizontal Conditioning: Supine, quadruped, and floor loading that builds lower-body pump capacity without triggering dizziness.
- Autonomic Pacing: Guidance on hydration, electrolyte protocols, and daily pacing to support circulating blood volume.
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Phase 2: Mid-Range Control & Joint Compression
We train strictly in mid-range joint positions, avoiding loaded end-range extension where lax ligaments are vulnerable. Closed-chain compression delivers instant tactile feedback to the brain.
- Closed-Chain Loading: Wall push-ups, modified bridges, and weight-bearing that stimulate deep joint mechanoreceptors.
- Proprioceptive Restoration: Retraining joint position sense which aims to reduce the likelihood of subluxations.
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Phase 3 & 4: Guided Resistance & Full Capacity
We use a strict “Start Low and Go Slow” protocol on guided machines to build protective skeletal muscle tone around lax joints, paired with compression garments to minimise DOMS and joint apprehension.
- Machine-Based Loading: Seated leg press and rows that eliminate balance anxiety while packing protective muscle around lax joints.
- Dynamic Life Integration: Postural endurance training and a structured Flare-Up Action Plan so you always know how to adjust safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Research suggests that individuals with hypermobility spectrum disorders build muscle strength and joint stability at the same rate as non-hypermobile individuals. The key is starting with low-volume mid-range loading and avoiding loaded end-range positions early on.
Dizziness in POTS occurs when blood pools in the lower body upon standing due to altered autonomic vasoconstriction. We design early exercise programs in recumbent or supine positions (lying down or seated). This allows you to strengthen your leg muscles—which act as a natural vascular pump—without triggering orthostatic heart rate spikes.
Flare-ups happen when exercise volume exceeds your current systemic capacity, triggering mast cell degranulation. We use a “micro-dosing” approach—short, frequent, low-load movement blocks—that stimulate tissue remodelling without overwhelming your immune or autonomic nervous system.
High-tension compression garments (like medical Lycra leggings or sleeves) provide excellent sensory feedback to skin touch receptors, improving joint position sense and reducing post-exercise muscle soreness (DOMS). We use them as helpful supportive tools while actively building your internal muscular support.
Ready to Break the Flare-Up Cycle?
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Shop 7 Capestone Village
67 Capestone Blvd, Mango Hill 4509
Contact Us
Call: (07) 2150 0505
Text: 0468 054 699
E: info@aboundphysio.com
F: 07 5547 5777
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Proudly serving Mango Hill, North Lakes, Rothwell, Deception Bay, Griffin and Kallangur. Find us at Capestone Village in Mango Hill.
Disclaimer
Every body is unique, and so is every recovery journey. While the team at Abound Physio is dedicated to supporting your health, mobility, and wellbeing, specific results will vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed. Please speak with one of our qualified physiotherapists for advice tailored to your individual needs.