Who is Affected? Is there a solution? Hypermobility is a genetic and systemic condition Anyone with a genetic predisposition, meaning that affects the entire body to varying degrees in it runs in families, and multiple individuals in different individuals. There is currently no known the same family may be impacted. Males and cure for it, and no supplement, cream, or drug that females can be hypermobile, although it is Appalachian Physical Therapy will affect it. Management is key, and begins with “Always Getting Better” found more often in females. Since it is identification of this condition. Education is critical present from birth and not a condition acquired so as to avoid aggravating or exacerbating habits and later in life, children can certainly be affected. activities. Guidance with appropriate exercises and Sadly, many children go undiagnosed or workouts can minimize injuries. In some cases Hypermobility: misdiagnosed, which leads to a lack of bracing may be necessary. Supportive shoe wear and appropriate intervention. Sometimes sometimes inserts can be helpful. As these Too Much of a Good Thing hypermobile children are diagnosed with rheu- individuals are prone to soft tissue overload, matoid diseases or “growing pains” when con- interventions such as Fascial Manipulation® and dry nective tissue laxity is actually the problem. needling may be helpful in resolving dysfunctional and painful movements. As in most conditions, early recognition and intervention can prevent escalating problems.

For additional information please stop by our office, contact us by phone, visit our website, Broadway Harrisonburg or email us at [email protected]. 171 East Springbrook Rd. 2035 East Market St., Suite 45 Broadway, VA 22815 Harrisonburg, VA 22801 In many cases a referral may not 540-901-9501 540-209-8977 be necessary, and insurance Strasburg Pinehurst may cover. 105 Stony Pointe Way, STE 211 211-L Central Park Ave. Strasburg, VA 22657 Pinehurst, NC 28374 Se habla español! 540-252-3892 910-215-0541 www.aptfc.com © Colleen Whiteford, 2018

Diagnosis is NOT based on testing Flexibility is a good thing, right? We such as X-ray, MRI, or lab work. Evaluation equate it with health, fitness, and youth. People take pride in how flexible they are, and by a practitioner skilled in the recognition of sometimes call it being “double jointed.” abnormal movement is the most reliable Activities such as ballet, gymnastics, method of detection. Elements of this include: cheerleading, and some sports showcase flexibility. Certainly normal flexibility and  History with attention to variable aches range of motion are desirable. and pains, non-responsiveness to interven- tion, multiple surgeries, and internal organ But there is such a thing dysfunction with no explanation. Common Symptoms may include as too much. widespread, changing pain complaints and health  Observation of knees and elbows that problems with no apparent cause or explanation. Some bend backward, trunk forward bending with Hypermobility is the term for movement be- individuals can live symptom free, but many do not. yond normal, and is not desirable. It is a fre- palming the floor, fingers that can be ex- The degree of hypermobility as well as an individual’s tended to touch the forearm—these are quently misunderstood and undiagnosed genet- habits, activities, and lifestyle choices can influence a manifestations of hypermobility. Some ic soft tissue disorder that runs in families – variety of problems including: people are born with it. hypermobile people are aware that com- Hypermobile individu-  Joint pain, swelling, and popping. Some people pared to others they are much more flexible, als have fewer collagen seek temporary relief with joint manipulation or while others have never thought about it. and excess elastic fi- cracking.  Skin Texture that is soft and squishy due bers in their tendons,  Recurrent injuries such ligaments, fascial reti- to collagen insufficiency. as subluxations, disloca- naculum, and skin. tions, and sprains.  Stretch Marks unrelated to pregnancy Collagen is the body’s (shoulders, thighs, children, males) are naturally occurring pro-  Multiple widespread another manifestation of collagen insuffi- health issues that may be tein that gives our tis- ciency in the skin. sues structure and unresponsive to form. Without it the body does not have the treatment or never fully  Bruising that occurs excessively or easily, resolve. normal stops to movement, which is hard on resulting from insufficient support for joints. There is also a lack of support for tis-  Internal organ arteries and veins in the lax connective sues including internal organs, nerves, and dysfunction affecting the tissues. veins. Ultimately, the hypermobile individual is digestive, urinary,  Positive Findings for other diseases such more susceptible to injury and health issues. reproductive, circulato- ry, and respiratory sys- as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s tems. syndrome, Lupus, and polymyalgia rheumatica are often present in hypermobile The presence or absence of these individuals. symptoms does not determine hypermobility.