So, while we often seek more flexibility, sometimes flexibility is the problem. Take Stella, who is forever hyperextending her tight elbow, when in fact, that elbow moves so far, it kind of makes your stomach queasy to watch. Stella feels tight and sore, but ironically she is actually too flexible.

Stella likes Yoga. In fact, many folks with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) are drawn to yoga or gymnastics because they are “naturals.” Everyone oohs and ahhs at their flexibility. But they may feel like crap after practice. That, in fact, is the definition of a problem with hypermobility: It’s when having too much motion creates symptoms. Like when your achy knee or elbow slips easily into hyperextension, or your back is gumby-like and always super sore.

There are 5 specific tests to see if you fit this category: You get one point if you can do each task with 9 points available. The more hypermobile you are, the higher your score.

People with generalized hypermobility often experience more joint sprains, meniscal injuries, and stress fractures, but other body systems are also affected. They might be more sensitive to pain, have more anxiety, more clumsiness, fatigue, GI disturbances and bladder or uterus prolapse. These situations require a good understanding of the complexity of the issue to treat them effectively.

If you have generalized joint laxity, here is a video with some important guidance for JHS:

If you or someone you know has Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, seek help. It’s easy to get discouraged if every class you take, or every move you make leads to body aches and exhaustion. That person next to you in Yoga class, for example, might want some help. Physical therapists who understand this syndrome are uniquely positioned to help you find ways to enjoy being active again. Call us today.

We are thrilled that the numbers for Covid in Boulder County are going down. The recommendation from epidemiologists is to keep doing what we are doing to keep everyone safe.

By the first week in February all of our therapists will have had the second dose of the vaccine. And in order to keep everyone safe we will continue with our Covid protocols. We expect our clients, even those vaccinated, will do the same.

It's a small price to pay to keep everyone healthy. Thank you for your cooperation.