H is for Hypermobility
In early April 2021, we covered H is for Hypermobility.
We started by defining what hypermobility is, what constitutes ‘normal’ and how yoga looks at what is a normal range of movement for an individual based on their body and constitution. We then went on to look at three case studies by Colin and Stanford’s own personal experience of having mild hypermobility. We discussed how to approach hypermobility in yoga, the physical components of the joints, how what hypermobile people want may not be what they need and the importance of static yoga postures and small movements. We concluded that with hypermobility, yoga needs to be applied to the individual, adapting each pose to their needs rather than the other way around.
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“I have been warned off yoga because I am hypermobile, it is dangerous for me.”
“I am already flexible, and I don’t need to do yoga.”
“I am really good at yoga, look at me.”
These are common statements I come across with people who have hypermobility. Yet there are huge opportunities for those with this condition in yoga, including developing self-awareness and maintaining and protecting what they’ve already got. Each constitution type has a different expression of hypermobility. Often the approach that’s needed will change over a person’s life. Within this session, I will take three case studies from different constitutions and demonstrate successful approaches used by yoga when addressing hypermobility. - Colin
Joint pain and stiffness are common as we get older; but what about the other end of the spectrum? Hypermobility is a condition where you exceed the average range of movement in one or more joint spaces. Though it may seem useful at times, there are short- and long-term consequences of supple joints when they become too flexible and over-bendy. The connective tissues are unable to support the body’s structure and posture, forcing other parts of the body to compensate. Most often this leads to muscle pain and stiffness, tendons and joint injury as well as subluxation/dislocation. If hypermobility is a lifelong condition, what can we do to manage it? - Stanford
