Understanding Hypermobility and Its Impact on the Body
Hypermobility, commonly recognized by unusually flexible joints, is more than just being "double-jointed." While many people might admire flexibility, hypermobility can lead to various health issues, especially when the connective tissues (like ligaments and tendons) that support your joints are overly lax. Hypermobility can be associated with chronic pain, fatigue, and joint instability, often leading to complications that require a holistic treatment approach.
In recent years, research has revealed fascinating links between hypermobility and neurodiversity. Neurodiverse individuals—those with conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia—are more likely to experience hypermobility than neurotypical individuals. This article explores the relationship between hypermobility, neurodiversity, how it affects the body, and the treatment options available to manage these symptoms.
The Link Between Hypermobility and Neurodiversity
Recent studies have shown that hypermobility may have a neurological connection, especially in those with neurodiverse conditions like ASD and ADHD. This connection is not yet fully understood, but emerging evidence points to differences in connective tissue structure and sensory processing that could explain why hypermobility is more prevalent among these populations.
People with hypermobility may experience increased sensitivity to touch, temperature, or pressure, which is also a common feature in neurodiverse individuals. This heightened sensitivity can exacerbate pain or discomfort, making day-to-day activities more challenging.
How Hypermobility Affects the Body
For those living with hypermobility, the physical effects can vary from mild discomfort to chronic pain and instability. Here are some of the most common ways hypermobility affects the body:
Joint Pain and Instability: The lack of joint stability is one of the hallmark features of hypermobility. Since the ligaments and tendons aren’t providing sufficient support, the muscles around the joint have to compensate. This often leads to pain, muscle tension, and eventually, joint injuries such as dislocations or sprains and later in life joint degeneration.
Chronic Pain and Fatigue: The increased workload placed on muscles and tendons can lead to chronic muscle tension, fatigue, and a feeling of heaviness. Many people with hypermobility report experiencing body-wide discomfort or "growing pains" that never seem to go away.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Hypermobility can even affect internal organs, leading to digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This is thought to be due to the laxity of connective tissues affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Poor Posture: Hypermobility can make it difficult to maintain proper posture, leading to imbalances that further contribute to muscle and joint pain. Over time, poor posture can lead to compensatory movements and additional strain on muscles and ligaments.
Headaches and Jaw tension: Due to the increased muscle tension to support the lax joints, tension headaches and jaw pain is another commonly observed issue with hypermobility.
Treatment Options for Hypermobility
At Health Shack, we take a multidisciplinary approach to managing hypermobility, recognizing that treatment needs to be tailored to the individual's unique needs. Here are some effective strategies for managing hypermobility:
1. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatments focus on enhancing joint mobility and improving nervous system function, making them particularly beneficial for individuals with hypermobility. By restoring proper joint motion, chiropractic adjustments can relieve excess strain on muscles, improve posture, and reduce chronic pain associated with joint instability. Additionally, spinal adjustments help regulate nervous system function, promoting overall balance and supporting the body’s ability to manage hypermobility-related symptoms more effectively.
In the case of neurodiverse clients, Health Shack chiros will tailor treatments to address sensory sensitivities and unique neurological needs. They can use gentler adjustments, and offer clear, step-by-step communication to ensure comfort. As mentioned, chiropractic care can also improve nervous system function, which may help reduce heightened sensitivities to touch, pressure, and other sensory inputs. By enhancing proprioception and balance through spinal adjustments and exercises, chiropractic supports better body awareness.
2. Massage Therapy
Massage can be an essential part of a treatment plan for hypermobility. It helps to relieve the chronic muscle tension that often develops as the body tries to compensate for loose joints which is very effective for relieving pain and tension and potentially improving energy. Massage can also improve proprioception, which is beneficial for neurodiverse individuals who may struggle with body awareness.
3. Strengthening and Stabilization Exercises
Strength training is crucial for stabilizing hypermobile joints. At Health Shack, we recommend basic exercises to clients to focus on strengthening while suggesting exercise options to take on. Low-impact exercises such as Pilates or yoga are frequently recommended as they can help increase muscle tone and joint support without putting too much strain on hypermobile joints. And in complex cases we refer to an exercise physiologist to provide a thorough exercise plan to cover proprioceptive training and core strengthening.
4. Lifestyle Modifications
Managing hypermobility also requires making small adjustments to daily activities. This could include using ergonomic tools, practicing proper posture, and avoiding activities that put too much strain on the joints. It’s also important to incorporate plenty of rest to avoid overexerting the body.
5. Collaboration with Other Health Professionals
In more severe cases, managing hypermobility might require a team-based approach. Collaborating with naturopaths, exercise physiologists, acupuncturists, and psychologists can help address the full spectrum of challenges faced by those with hypermobility, especially if they are also neurodiverse.
At Health Shack, we believe that a comprehensive approach to treatment is essential for helping our clients manage hypermobility and the accompanying symptoms. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, joint instability, or believe that neurodiversity may be contributing to your symptoms, we’re here to provide personalized care that addresses both the physical and neurological aspects of your condition.
If you'd like to learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today to start your journey toward better joint health and pain relief!