Special Populations
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder
Greater than average joint movement, with symptoms that come with it.
Also called: HSD, Hypermobility.
Hypermobility spectrum disorder describes joints that move through a greater than average range, along with symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or a sense of instability that accompany this increased movement.
Hypermobile joints generally need better control rather than more movement, which changes technique selection considerably compared with a standard approach to joint stiffness or pain.
Why this matters
Relief that wears off quickly after manual therapy is a common and meaningful pattern here, often reflecting the underlying control issue rather than suggesting the treatment was ineffective in general.
A plan that emphasises stability and gradual, controlled loading tends to be more useful over time than repeated mobilisation.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Position sense and muscle timing are central to how hypermobile joints are managed, so coordination is assessed rather than assumed to be adequate.
Evaluation looks at how well the nervous system controls movement around lax joints, which guides the focus of any care offered.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Family Wellness — Care for children and adults is individualized in technique and force.
- Chiari Malformation — A medical condition requiring specialist care — support only, within scope.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome — A medically diagnosed connective tissue condition that changes how care is delivered.
- Growing-Related Musculoskeletal Pain — Aching in growing children, which should first be medically evaluated.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.