Special Education Needs Spotlight

Hypermobility

Hypermobility is definitely not considered an illness or a disease, but just the way someone is essentially put together. It is very important to note that it is considered a normal finding by medical professionals. (APCP 2012).

Is It A Cause for Concern?

Most children with hypermobility have no symptoms and being hypermobile can be beneficial. It is not fully understood why some children have symptoms and others don’t but it is not generally related to the amount of excess flexibility.

Commonly it is a result of poor muscle strength, poor muscle stamina and poor control of joint movement rather than the hypermobile joint itself.

Treatment

Exercise:

• Exercise is the most important treatment for hypermobility as this will improve the muscle strength and therefore the control around the joints. It is important to note that it is unlikely that pain will resolve until muscle strengths are sufficient enough to support your flexible joints.
• It is very important that your child keeps as active as possible because inactivity will lead to further muscle weakness and further symptoms. Sports clubs are a great idea and swimming can be especially good when there is pain present.

Pacing:

If your child’s pain symptoms are a problem after exercise it is important that they do not stop exercising but pace the activities that they take part in. Try to ensure that your child does not do too much of one type of activity in a day and vary it where possible. You may find it additionally useful to spread exercises out through the week and focus on building strength by gradually increasing how much exercise is done.

Pain Management:

Aches and pains are common with in children with hypermobile joints; these are as a result of muscle fatigue, not any damage or injury. A warm bath or hot water bottle may help relieve pain symptoms. You can discuss pain medications with your GP.