Hypermobility and Clinical Pilates

What is hypermobility? Hypermobility is when joints of the body are able to move beyond their physiological range of movement; that is movement that is considered to be within normal or expected range. Hypermobility may affect all joints throughout the body or may be limited to just a couple, for example knees and/or elbow. Hypermobility can vary in its severity and presentation, therefore people who have hypermobility syndrome will experience a range of different symptoms from generalised muscular tension to pain during loaded activities to dislocation and subluxation.

So why does hypermobility occur? Hypermobility may have a genetic predisposition with conditions such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which affects the ligaments and connective tissues throughout the body; or hypermobility can be achieved through repetitive movement and exercises that stretch ligaments, muscles and the joint capsule ie. yoga, gymnastics etc.

Those who have hypermobility of their joints often experience a lot of joint pain and tension through their muscles. As the ligaments around the joints are lax, they provide little support and stability so the body relies on the global musculature in order to achieve this. This is the body’s natural way to prevent subluxation and dislocation of the joint. 

Three factors which determine a joint’s range of motion:

1.     Bony structure: shape and orientation of bones and how they fit together (unchangeable)

2.    Ligaments and tendons: the connective tissue that wraps around the joint (changeable) 

3.    Surrounding muscles: control movement around the joint (changeable)

As two out of three factors that determine the range of movement available at a joint are changeable, it provides a ground to assist in the management and pain relief of hypermobility. 

The best course of action is to begin to strengthen the deep stability muscles of the joint in order to achieve joint stability, allow for optimal muscular control and improve proprioception around the joints. Pilates is a perfect exercise regime for strengthening of the stabilising muscles throughout the body, improving body awareness and to create an evenness of effort throughout the body.

At Motion Osteopathy our Osteopaths are trained to diagnose and treat people with hypermobility and will often recommend our referral to our Clinical Pilates instructors Jane Brewer who will help strengthening your body through Pilates taking the pressure off joints and ligaments, which will ease the discomfort and prevent future injury.

If you would like to speak with Jane Brewer or one of our experienced Osteopaths about hypermobility, please feel free to contact us.

Phone: 07 40514909

Email: reception@motionosteopathy.com.au