Hypermobility. The effect of hypermobility on flexibility (0)

SCHOOL

Academic English course
Hypermobility. The effect of hypermobility on flexibility.

A research paper

Student :

Grade : 10
Tutor:

Tallinn

2016
Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JMS) is a condition which describes joints that are able to bend further than normal. The syndrome is generally induced by changes in bone structure. It occurs in about 10%-25% of the world’s population.1 Joint hypermobility causes several effects , both positive and negative . This essay describes the syndrome briefly as well as discusses the benefits and consequences of the condition. However, the expedience of the condition outweighs the negative issues JMS can bring about.
Hypermobile joints are a serious case in which the tissues that hold the joint together – ligaments – are detached . In most cases , hypermobility is caused by the deviation of tissue proteins - such as collagen - synthesis; bone structure: bone shape or the depth of the joint sockets; muscle structure: muscle tone and strength ; poor sense of proprioception; genetic heritability. Sometimes weak muscles have an impact on the development of hypermobility as well. On rare occasions, hypermobile joints are the issue of a specific medical condition, such as cleidocranial dysostosis and Marfan, Morquio, Ehlers-Danlos or Down syndrome. 2 Joint laxity occurs mainly in the joints that are located in fingers, elbows, shoulders, wrists, knees, and hips . It usually appears at a very young age and decreases as one gets older, but 58%3 of adults diagnosed with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome do not see any indication of the recession of JMS throughout their lives . The syndrome rather delves than shows withdrawal. Hypermobility is usually a sign of fragile joints. In order to avoid injuries, one is suggested to perform exercises and physical therapies to improve one’s extension, such as yoga , pilates, dancing, tai chi and intensive stretching trainings. These kind of exercises strenghten the joint as well as relieve pain in case it becomes evident. Learning the normal range of motion of every joint is recommended in order to prevent hyperextension. One can protect the joints by using supportive bandages, paddings or braces during physial activities as well. Joint hypermobility needs a prompt reaction when discovered at an early age. If JMS is detected as a child , hyperextension may not form at all.4
Based on the information Mayo Clinic5 provides, a child who has a tendency for double -jointedness may eventually lose the ability to hyperextend oneself. As a matter of fact , it is not true6 because the people who are unusually flexible, have a condition of hyperlaxity or are able to bend over a normal person ’s pliability have better chances to improve their flexibility. Although the more muscle mass one has, the less flexible one is. Athletes have the most limited range of motion for all joints because their muscle mass is constantly growing as well as they skip stretching continuously. The only sports that evolve muscle mass and joint flexibility at the same time are powerlifting, gymnasts, dancing and martial arts . For instance , an American powerlifter Sarah Robles, the „strongest woman in America“7 encourages her students to „Lift big and lock out“8 which intensifies the joints’ capability to hyperextend. The reverse is correct as well: the more flexible one is, the less bulking muscle one has. The existing muscles are fragile and extra vulnerable to muscle tear because they are often stretched to be intensely lean. The elasticity of the body consists of three types: passive , active and dynamic flexibility. Passive flexibility is the ability to stretch while aided by one’s own body or partner . Muscles do not get extra tension while working out and the amount of work lies within the amount that muscles involved can elongate. While one is bending actively, one does it unaided. Active flexibility is performed as stretching unaided and trying to exceed the height set as target .9 Active flexing requires using muscle spindles10 and therefore excludes the injurious consequences force can cause .11 Dynamic flexing – also known as mobile stretching – represents active, aided stretching while moving . It necessitates active movements, such as leg swings or hand waves. Dynamic stretching is an important factor of mobility in order to deform and extend the muscles.12 Stretching dynamically is also an opportunity to stretch intensely beyond one’s abilities and develop hypermobile joints as a consequence.
Contrary to the positive effects of hypermobility, the condition can cause a lot of inconveniences and discomfort. If one has the syndrome, one also has a greater risk to injure or dislocate one’s joints. Since the joints are fragile and not strong enough to endure the pressure one applies to them , sprains as well as strains are easy to emerge. Furthermore , one can sustain extreme pain because of the condition. Some of the patients suffer from chronic pain during their entire lives. In most cases, the musculoskeletal pain is caused by arthritis13, which is a joint inflammation that causes a lot of pain. The joints affected are located mostly in the spine , fingers or knees. The syndrome’s patient’s fingers are at a high risk for arthritis as well. If Joint Hypermobility Syndrome becomes unbearable or causes vast pain, one should contact a doctor immediately. A specialist advises one on using prescription, creams or sprays for the pain. A doctor possibly suggests visiting a physical therapy , where the movements are elaborated and deliberated. In order to prevent injuries, one is expected to keep one’s joints warm and limber through stretching intensively and regularly.14 Stretching sessions help reduce the amount of pain one feels in one’s joints as well as makes the joints stronger and resistant to different kinds of pressure and force. One can benefit from wisely chosen activities, yet foolish choices can decrease one’s possibilities for strengthening the joints as well as reduce the ability to bend. Stronger muscles can protect the joints they surround.15 As Livestrong.com states : „Strengthening exercises are those that involve working with resistance, such as weight lifting, medicine balls and tension bands.“16 This means that all variations of resistance training are the most benefitial for enchancing one’s muscle mass and joint firmness.
As there are various negative consequences as well as positive opportunities for patients with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, the condition is not harmful for most of the patients. The syndrome is even benefitial for some. JMS is the most advantageous for athletes and dancers, as the condition can contribute to their flexibility and ability to perform unearthly positions and movements. All of the patients of Joint Hypermobility Syndrome have the potential to stretch the joints into hypertension and develop highly mobile joints. It is only a matter of time when 50% of the world’s population has the syndrome because of genetic transmissibility.
Bibliography:
1Wikipedia, 2016
2Healthline, 2016
http://www.healthline.com/health/hypermobile-joints#SymptomRelief4
3Healthline, 2016
http://www.healthline.com/health/hypermobile-joints#SymptomRelief4
4Since the world population is ~7,402,107 (Worldometers, 2016), ~25% suffers from JMS and adults form 58% of the world’s population (Index Mundi, 2015), the percent most likely stays the same (58%) as I examine the ratio of adults among the people diagnosed with JMS)
5Mayo Clinic, 2014
http://www.mayoclinic.org/hypermobility/expert-answers/faq-20058285
6Envatotuts+, J. Medlej, 2014
http://design.tutsplus.com/articles/human-anatomy-fundamentals-flexibility-and-joint-limitations--vector-25401
7Wikipedia, 2015
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Robles
8“Pretty Strong“; a blog by Sarah Elizabeth Robles & Jessica Gallagher-Salvaggio
http://prettystrongblog.blogspot.ca/2012/04/technique-tuesday-arm-lock-out.html
9Envatotuts+, J.Medlej, 2014
http://design.tutsplus.com/articles/human-anatomy-fundamentals-flexibility-and-joint-limitations--vector-25401
10J. M. Peters & Howard K. Peters THE FLEXIBILITY MANUAL Sports Kinetics Inc. 1995
11Dr. Michael Yessis (2009). Explosive Plyometrics. Ultimate Athlete Concepts
12 Envatotuts+, J.Medlej, 2014
http://design.tutsplus.com/articles/human-anatomy-fundamentals-flexibility-and-joint-limitations--vector-25401
13How Stuff Works , Tom Scheve, 2009
http://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/everyday-myths/double-jointed.ht m
14How Stuff Works, Tom Scheve, 2009
http://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/everyday-myths/double-jointed2.ht m
15Livestrong.com, 2015
http://www.livestrong.com/article/556301-the-best-worst-activities-for-hypermobile-joints/
16 Livestrong.com, 2015
http://www.livestrong.com/article/556301-the-best-worst-activities-for-hypermobile-joints/