Hypermobility - what to do

[building2017]

Hi, my DD (nearly 11) is somewhat hypermobile with fairly low muscle tone. She's quite weak, esp compared to her freakishly string older brother. The doctor looked at her and said, 'Yep, probably hypermobility, just keep her strength up, next!

At the moment, she is doing some specific physio to help after a broken arm, but I'd like to build on that habit for general strength. I am prepared to pay or find a class for her but I don't know exactly who to see.

Should I see a pediatric physio? Or get her to join a kids cross fit? Or maybe there are some YouTube videos that would be appropriate? I'm keen that she have some 'spotting' by someone who knows what they are doing at some intervals, but we could probably manage some exercises ourselves. Any thoughts?

We were referred to physio and biomechanics for dd's hypermobility. The risk of injury if you don't know what you're doing is high. DD needed orthotics and specific physio and is building up tone safely.

I was hypermobile as a teenager and my mum contacted this charity for info www.arthritisresearchuk.org/system/search-results.aspx?keywords=Hypermobility
The doctors had a very similar attitude 20years ago?

You need to see a consultant paediatrician who specialises in hypermobility (EDS) for a proper diagnosis and support. She will then have access to biomechanics for insoles, possibly occupational therapy and physio support at school and splints from paediatric appliances.
The paediatricians who specialise in this usually work alongside the adult rheumatology consultants.
Also read up on the internet. Hypermobility is one of those inherited conditions that are not treated actively as such but more preventative treatment. Repeated injuries can be very serious.

Maybe look at specific kids Pilates for core strengthening. Look at APPI Pilates which is physio led. Good luck

My daughter scores low on the scale as she only has hypermobility in her knees and hips. She currently doesn't require treatment because she isn't in pain. But when she was first referred and diagnosed I spoke to her physio and because it's on her knees and hips which could effect her back later down the line, I asked about pilates and was advised it would be perfect. I would think yoga would be good as well.

My friend is an expert in Alexander technique for hypermobility, if you are in the London area pm me and I'll give her details 😄

Place marking for tomorrow for my ds.

Yes, Alexander Technique can be very helpful.

Surely there are scales of it? Just being hyper mobile doesn’t need all the stuff a pp posted about?

My ds is hyper mobile and had wrist and finger support at school and gets extra time in exams.

My little ds is much worse in my view but getting a dx seems impossible without something comorbid

I have ehlers Danlos syndrome. hypermobility type. My children have inherited it. We are advised to not do activities that over extend joints such as ballet or gymnastics. or, quick sports such as squash where you twist and turn out of control and no contact sports, rugby judo etc. swimming and rock climbing are excellent. cycling, badminton, and trampolining with a knowledgeable instructor are good too. Controlled and strengthening activities are best.
I lift weights daily, though obviously not advised for pre teens
it is vital to build up muscle to protect the joints. Once ligaments have been over stretched they stay over stretched. So if she goes over on her ankle she will always have a weakness there.
What sort of activity does she enjoy? No point starting something she doesn't find fun.
Does she have joints that concern you more than others?
I am not sure if a gp with that attitude would be likely to refer you to a physio for preventative advice.
General posture is very important too. No w sitting. keep limbs in line. No crossing your legs over a knee then behind an ankle etc.

hypermobility.org/hmsa-news/
This website is a good source of information.

Thanks so so much everyone. Pretty sure she does not have EDS. Her skin is not stretchy at all.

So, she is not in pain as far as I know,.... Although having said that, she has complained of shooting pains in her torso/ribs quite frequently.

I don't have concerns about any specific joints - she is just a really bendy kid. Her arms slightly over extend at the elbow, definitely.

I think I should go back to see a different doctor actually. She deserves a proper assessment.

My suspicion is that yoga would be the worst thing. She would be able to stretch more than others and overdo it and possibly permanently damage herself. Plates is different with its focus on strength.

My daughter was referred to muscoskeltal (I've probably spelt in slightly wrong) clinic and saw a physio there. We had x-rays of her hips done (all clear). It was from her assessment that I realised I have hypermobility predominantly in my wrists. I have lived with it all my life with no major issues other than painful wrists due to typing assignments at uni.

Have a referral for physio which I'm pleased about.