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    3. Rheumatology
    4. Hypermobility

    Hypermobility

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our rheumatology specialists assess, diagnose, and manage hypermobility-related conditions. If you are looking for a hypermobility specialist, our consultant-led team can help identify what may be causing your joint symptoms and recommend a care plan tailored to you.

    Hypermobility means your joints move beyond the typical range. Some people have flexible joints without pain or other symptoms. Others may have joint pain, instability, fatigue, or repeated injuries. When symptoms affect daily life, this may be part of a condition called hypermobility spectrum disorder.

    Early, accurate diagnosis can help you understand your symptoms and find the right support.

    • Hypermobility syndrome is when flexible joints are linked with symptoms such as pain, fatigue, joint instability or repeated injuries. It may affect daily activities, exercise and quality of life.

      While joint hypermobility alone is not necessarily a medical condition, hypermobility syndrome is diagnosed when symptoms become persistent or clinically significant. 

    • Symptoms vary from person to person. They may be mild, or they may affect daily activities.

      You may experience: 

      • Joint pain, especially after activity or prolonged use
      • Flexible joints or joints that move beyond the typical range
      • Joint instability or frequent sprains
      • Muscle fatigue or reduced strength
      • Clicking or popping joints
      • Reduced exercise tolerance
      • Longer recovery after activity

       

      Symptoms may fluctuate over time and can affect multiple areas of the body. 

      If you are experiencing persistent pain or instability, specialist assessment can help identify the underlying cause. 

    • Hypermobility-related conditions are often linked to differences in connective tissue collagen structure. Connective tissue helps support joints, ligaments, and other body structures. Collagen, a protein in connective tissue, plays an important role in joint strength and flexibility.

      Contributing factors may include: 

      • Genetic predisposition
      • Inherited connective tissue variation 
      • Hormonal influences 
      • Differences in joint development and structure 

      In many cases, no single identifiable  cause is found. The condition is understood as part of a broader spectrum of joint hypermobility disorders. 

    • Hypermobility diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment. There is no single test that confirms every hypermobility-related condition.

      Your assessment may include: 

      • A review of your symptoms and medical history
      • A physical exam to check joint movement and stability 
      • A validated hypermobility scoring assessment (Beighton score)
      • A review of pain patterns, injuries and how symptoms affect daily life
      • Imaging tests, such as X-ray, ultrasound or MRI, if needed
      • Tests or assessments to rule out other rheumatology or connective tissue conditions

      Different patients require different assessments, and your diagnostic pathway will be tailored to your presentation and clinical findings. 

    • Treatment focuses on improving joint stability, easing symptoms and helping you stay active safely.

      At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, treatment is individualised and may include: 

      • Physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and improve joint control
      • A structured exercise programme tailored to your needs
      • Pain management strategies
      • Occupational therapy to help with daily activities
      • Education about joint protection, pacing and activity changes

      Management plans are adapted over time depending on symptom severity and functional impact. 

    • Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, ease symptoms, prevent your joints, and help you stay active. 

      Your personalised treatment plan may include: 

      • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, also called DMARDs (Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Leflunomide and Hydroxychloroquine). These medicines help slow the disease and protect the joints.
      • Biologic therapies, which target specific parts of the immune system (Eg. Adalimumab, Etanercept, Tocilizumab, Rituximab).
      • Targeted synthetic medicines, which help reduce inflammation by blocking certain immune system signals (eg Upadacitinib).
      • Anti-inflammatory medicines to help reduce pain and swelling.
      • Physical therapy to support strength, movement and function.
      • Lifestyle and exercise recommendations.
      • Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care.

      Our rheumatoid arthritis specialists tailor treatment plans to your disease activity, symptoms, and long-term health goals. 

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare London works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. 

    Self-pay arrangements are also available, and our team can guide you through pricing and appointment availability.

    Book a private hypermobility assessment 

    If you have ongoing joint pain, instability or symptoms linked to hypermobility, our rheumatology specialists can assess your symptoms and recommend next steps.

    Our team is here to help clarify your diagnosis and guide appropriate next steps.

    Our team is here to answer your questions and provide personalised treatment options. Request an appointment with us today. or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575. 

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist

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