Hypermobility

I've just completed another training course as part of my CPD, this time on hypermobility. I've come across this quite a bit in teaching yoga over the years, as sometimes hypermobile people gravitate towards yoga and gymnastics because they are good at it. Here's the thing though - it doesn't mean that it's necessarily good for them.

There are several different types of hypermobility and not surprisingly not everyone is the same either.

Apparently until only the last few years very little research has been done to understand this and all the other related conditions. So I'll try to keep things simple and highlight a few facts that might be helpful.

Most (90%), of cases are a connective tissue disorder, which is hereditary. There are others of course and some are acquired. But interestingly you can be hypermobile and stiff at the same time!

There is a massive range of conditions related to being symptomatic hypermobile and and you can also be non symptomatic. There are varying degrees affecting fewer joints with less instability to affecting more joints and with increased instability. The latter being much more prone to injury.

Recent research has shown that there are many other conditions related to symptomatic hypermobility. These can include chronic pain, fatigue, mood and depression, gastrointestinal disorders, autonomic and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).

Other related issues include difficulty regulating a 'normal breath', tightness in the head and neck and shoulder area. Feet and ankles can be misaligned (bunions can be a result of this condition). And wrists and elbows can be a common visible sign of hypermobility.

The condition can be affected by other environmental changes and come in flares.

The good news is that in the last few years a lot more research has been done into this condition. Also, identifying the main issues together with providing the right programme of exercise - things can really change! Creating strength, control, confidence and stamina.

BUT it needs to be a guided approach focusing on going slow, to earn speed. Which will be my new 'catch phrase'.

Watch out for more tips in class.

Have a lovely weekend X