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Parents—Look for This:  Hypermobility

1/27/2015

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You have these adorable kids that can do these amazing things...but some of the things might not be good for them.

This is by far the biggest “issue” I see with healthy children; it has many names:  Hyper-extension, hyper-mobility, recurvatum, double-jointed, and the term we will use—hyperlaxity.   

What we are talking about is when angles in the joints pass their healthy range of motion.  For example in the knee joint, passing 180 degree (looks like the knee is bowing toward the back) or more common, the elbows passing 180 degrees.  This can happen to any joint (hands, toes, ankles, shoulders…)

Here are some images to get a better idea of what hyper-laxity looks like:

Hypermobility Seen Here in the Extended Arm (see the elbow) and probably the Low Back.
Extreme Hyperlax Knee Joint
Common Tests to Determine Hypermobility
Showing the Rotations in the W or M Sit. - photo: Katy Bowman
The W or M Sit - Not a Good Choice. Photo: Katy Bowman
Pretty Extreme Case of Hyper Mobile Scapula

Why does Hyperlaxity matter?  

here are a few reasons why this is important to know:

  • Kids with hyper lax joints are more prone for pain and injury (and of course they grow into adults who are also more prone).

  • If your child has hyper lax joints, (s)he is likely weaker and have less effective muscles.  (S)he will become more tired than a child without hyper lax muscles.  This is important to understand because (s)he may have trouble keeping up, walking long distances, writing for extended periods.

  • These kids likely have poor balance and coordination.

  • Most people with hyper lax joints tend to fidget a lot because they are uncomfortable and fatigue in one position.

How can you change your child’s habit in the most non-scarring, my parent is-not-always-nagging-me-way.

So considering all of this, what do we do?   These kids should still take the walks, practice their balance, use their muscles.  That is the only way they can fight back against these lax joints (by building muscle).  

Hyperlaxity is when the LIGAMENTS of the joints are too loose, stretched out and hence the joint surpasses its safe and strongest position.  Hyperlax joints tend to make people look “flexible” but in reality the muscles are not flexible, the joints are lax.  There is a big difference.   A joint that is hyper-lax is getting overworked over and over again while the muscles are on vacation.  This is what puts the ligaments of the joint in danger.

The best way to help protect these joints is to strengthen the muscles around them and to teach your child how to recognize when they are utilizing their ligaments during movement.

If you have these hyper lax joints, you should not apply high loads to your body.  Intense sports, running, and repetitive motions are all dangerous for lax joints.

All of us with hyper-mobile joints can learn how to isolate the muscles around the joint and strengthen them, which will in turn help to stabilize the joint.  Once the joint is surrounded by lots of strong *aligned* muscles, we can increase the loads on it, but not before.

How can we help our kids strengthen their bodies, and not worsen the condition?

We have to be the example.  We need to sit on the floor demonstrating core strength sitting.  Or we need to provide education on “bending the elbows or knees a bit” to get back to a neutral, STRONGER position.

They will resist, because it will feel more challenging.  They will be using muscles that they were not using before. Those muscles are not conditioned and so it will be harder and more tiring for them.  But they will be building strength just by doing it.

There are many degrees of hypermobility/hyperlaxity and some are much more serious then others.  If you are concerned, you should talk with your child’s doctor.   
If you have questions, I am always happy to help, email me.  

Here's to Strong, Tall, Centered, Confident Kids!

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Lock 'em out of school—I'm cool with it!

1/7/2015

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I asked my 9 year old this morning, “are you still standing when you can during class?”  She replied,  “Uh…”   I asked, “During silent reading do you have the option of going to the floor to snuggle and read?”  The answer, “Yes.”   So excitedly I followed up with, “Well, do you?”   Looking down she groans, “Noooo….”

She then says, “You know, most parents want their kids to sit down and listen and not run around like crazies!”.  I asked her if she wanted me to elaborate on the detriments of too much sitting.  Shockingly, she did not (sarcasm is still alive!).  

We did discuss how many hours she thought she was sitting in the day.  
How many hours would you guess your child sits and what they think they sit?   Share your thoughts in a quick comment and we can see the ranges.  

This conversation began as a follow up to many previous as well as a response to her letting me know that they are now making the kids stay outside longer and running around a bit more then before.  She complained, "they are locking us out before school starts to make sure we play outside!"   CRIMINAL.  Except,  I was thrilled of course.  Thank you to my school and its amazing administrators and staff!  

Apparently the kids are not allowed in the class room before school and are having to do some running around the field at certain break periods.  Yes, I would still love to see less sitting or at least more floor sitting and some standing work stations as well as a few other changes to help our kids grow up with a more natural environment but I am so happy that we are making changes to try to get the kids outside more.  I do know that in California we are spoiled and that it won’t be as easy for all parts of the country to do this type of thing in winter.  But thank you Los Altos for constantly taking a step.


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    Get Stronger as A Family!

    Crystal Young is a wife, mother, and dedicated Mom-preneur.   She started Pilates After School  to help kids be Strong, Tall, Centered & Confident. By providing kids with the tools needed to fight and win the "battle of the chair," they are more prepared for a happy and healthy future and to face new challenges with vigor. As a result, these kids come with proud, happy parents! 

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