DIET AND FITNESS:
Hypermobility -Top 10 Tips That
Help
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February 20, 2010
By Susan Callahan, Health Editor and Katrina Devine,
Contributing Columnist
Double-jointed people throughout history have been seen as
marvels. Some naturally double-jointed people can achieve
almost supernatural athletic feats, such as bending over
backwards so far that their heads can touch their feet. But
double-jointedness, technically known as hypermobility, is
often an extremely painful condition. And the "gift" of
hypermobility, in these cases, can become a curse.
Hypermobility as a form of natural double-jointedness is
somewhat different from the condition known as
hypermobility syndrome, in which joints which were once
normal suddenly begin to move.
The number of people who suffer from hypermobility
syndrome (HMS) in America is a greatly debated topic , as a
Clarkson University study in 1999 observed. For some in the
health care world, "hypermobility" is not a disease or
disability but an asset or simply a quirk of the human body.
Studies into the condition are ongoing. At the moment
University College Hospital in London is conducting research
into the link between hypermobility of joints and pain.
For many with hypermobility they know the answer---
hypermobility is a debilating condition that can disrupt their
daily lives. Many of those with hypermobility
syndrome--mobile joints--also suffer from secondary
arthritis as a result of the hypermobility.
Not every case of hypermobility is the same, however. Some
experience very little pain. Others suffer excruciating pain
every day. Based upon research by the Hypermobility
Syndrome Association, here are the top 10 tips to reduce the
pain of hypermobility:
1. Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is the most popular
recommended treatment for hypermobility pain. As with
many forms of treatment for hypermobility pain, the
effectiveness varies greatly from person to person. Some
sufferers find little or no improvement with physiotheraphy.
Others feel great relief.
If you choose to treat your hypermobility with
physiotherapy, remember that it is important to find a
physiotherapist who is familiar with treating hypermobility.
2. Pilates. Many sufferers find Pilates helpful as it
concentrates on balance with straining the joints. It is even
better if you can find an instructor who understands
hypermobility.
3. Home-Based Exercise Programa. A 2004 study from the
Royal Infirmary in Glasgow found that even home-based
exercise prograims that strengthen the quadriceps, the
hamstrings and improve balance can help joint
hypermobility. In this study, led by Dr. William Ferrell and
Nicola Tennant, 16 out of 18 subjects reported significant
improvements in balance and pain management after
adhering to a regular exercise program. Try squats, reverse
knee lifts and yoga as a basic at-home exerise program to
improve hypermobility.
4. Tai Chi. Like Pilates the low impact nature of Tai Chi
means that it is ideal for Hypermobility. The focus on well
being can also help those who find their condition can make
them feel down.
5. Lose weight: because of the limited amount of exercise
that is appropriate for sufferers, many put on weight. An
important tool to reduce pain however is to lose weight.
Weight puts extra strain on the joints and can lead to even
more pain.
6. Hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is used by many to
strengthen the muscles of the body without putting
pressure on joints. However, sufferers still have to be careful
as there is a risk of joints becoming sore if proper
techniques are not used.
7. Elastic bandages. Some people with hypermobility
syndrome wear elastic bandages as this gives support to
their joints while still not constraining their movements.
Also, the elastic bandages are less likely to weaken the joint
or tear muscles.
8. Magnets. Some sufferers find placing magnets over
their joints. It is common for hypermobility sufferers to wear
magnetic bracelets near their sore joints. There are also
plasters available with tiny magnets in them to place directly
on the joint.
9. Sports massage. Sport massage can help but it is
important to find a masseuse who knows about
hypermobility and the pain that it causes. Normal massage
can be helpful but many people do not find it gives long term
relief.
10. Herbal remedies. Sufferers sometimes use various
herbal remedies such as rosehips to ease their symptoms
and pain.
As a last option, when all else fails to improve hypermoility
pain, some sufferers choose surgery. Surgery is the last
option for treating hypermobility for good reason. It's a very
"iffy" proposition. New procedures are being worked on
which can tighten joints but the long term implications are
yet to be known.
You're just getting started. Learn more about the
relationship between your diet and your risk for other
diseases and conditions: Frozen Shoulder -Tips to Relieve
the Pain/ Fibromylagia-An Ideal Diet / My Aching Bones /
Six Pack Abs-A Guided Tour /Top 10 Foods That Fight
Anemia / How Much Is Too Much Salt? /Sugar-The Disease
Connection / Are Diet Sodas Bad for Your Health? / Ideal
Breakfast for Diabetics / Ideal Breakfast for Arthritis
/Healing Foods Links / Foods That Shrink Your Waist /
Foods That Lower Cholesterol/ VLDL-The Other Cholesterol/
Foods That Reduce Blood Pressure
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