Hypermobile Joints
Hypermobility
is more than just a good party trick. Hypermobility is the ability of a joint to move beyond its normal range of
motion. It is common in children and decreases with age. Having a few
hypermobile joints isn't unusual. In most people, joint hypermobility causes no
problems and requires no treatment. But
in some people, hypermobility causes joint pain and results in a higher chance
of dislocations, sprains and osteoarthritis. With hypermobility the ligaments
that provide joint stability are loose and weak. This increases the risk of
ligament injury or strain and can cause pain.
People with hypermobility may
experience many difficulties. For example, their joints may be easily injured,
be more prone to complete dislocation due to an unstable joint and they may
develop problems from muscle fatigue (as muscles must work harder to compensate
for the excessive weakness in the ligaments that support the joints).
Hypermobility can also lead to chronic pain. It has also been associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Symptoms of hypermobility include a
dull but intense pain around the knee and ankle joints and the soles of the
feet.
It
is important that the individual with hypermobility remain extremely fit - even
more so than the average individual - to prevent recurrent injuries. Regular
exercise and corrective therapy can reduce symptoms of hypermobility,
because strong muscles help to stabilise joints. These treatments can also help
by stretching tight, overused muscles and ensuring the person uses joints
within the ideal ranges of motion, avoiding hyperextension or hyperflexion.
Low-impact exercise is usually recommended for hypermobile people as it is less
likely to cause injury than high-impact exercise or contact sports.
Fitworks Corrective Therapy has a unique
approach to building muscles around joints to align the skeletal frame reducing
risk of ligament injury or stain. By strengthening the muscles around the
joints you can reduce the risk of ligament injury or strain that causes pain
and problems with hypermobility.
Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist
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