What is Hypermobility?
Hypermobility refers to the natural flexibility of joints. Thirty to fifty percent of the population has joint hypermobility, which in many cases, offers an athletic and competitive advantage. Because of flexible joints secondary to hypermobility, those who are hypermobile can run faster, jump higher, avoid certain injuries and throw farther than those who are not hypermobile. Look at your pitchers, quarterbacks, gymnasts and dancers to name a few. But don’t be surprised to find a lineman or a basketball center perform a split! Along with hypermobility, long fingers and bigger hands offer an advantage in many sports.
Is Hypermobility Bad?
In general no, but in some yes. Basically, hypermobility is a body-type. We consider it a Ferrari! It is a very special body type that can do amazing things. However, a hypermobile body is a high-maintenance body. Because medicine and science poorly recognizes this different body type, a hypermobile body is treated like those who are not hypermobile. This is a problem. Hypermobile bodies need extra care, like a Ferrari needs extra care. Hypermobile bodies need core strength, balance training and a proper warm-up and cool-down. If taken care of, one with a hypermobile body can avoid complications.
What Does the Tulane Hypermobility Clinic Do?
The Tulane Hypermobility Clinic focuses on evaluating each individual’s degree of hypermobility and develops a treatment and maintenance plan for each body type. Hypermobile bodies require more maintenance and care, and the clinic specializes in helping you identify and manage your blueprint. Evaluations involve a team of medical providers and physical therapist to help solve your current problem and prevent further future injury.
Summary
Hypermobility is not a disease or a syndrome. It is a different body type that has different needs to function optimally. Just as you cannot put regular gas in a Ferrari, you cannot put regular fuel into a hypermobile body. In addition, you cannot keep it on the maintenance schedule of a Honda Accord. An overall healthy diet and stability exercise is what a hypermobile body needs to keep going!
