How to Get Better Results With Patients Who Have More Mobility
This episode of the Rehab and Performance Lab featuring Dr. Jenna Gourlay challenges conventional methods and provides a nuanced understanding of hypermobility, moving beyond the typical Beighton score. Learn how to identify different levels of hypermobility and tailor your treatments for better, more predictable results! This is the second part of the hypermobility series. Check out part 1 here.
Key Points
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Hypermobility exists on a spectrum, not as a binary condition.
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Assessing where your patient falls on this spectrum is crucial for effective treatment
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Hypermobility isn't necessarily a bad thing; the real issue is often the lack of stability or motor control
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Applying standard treatment philosophies to hypermobile patients can lead to unpredictable results.
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A different approach is needed to address their unique needs.
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Feelings of tightness in hypermobile patients may not be what it seems.
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A gymnast with an active straight leg raise of 120 degrees might complain of "tight hamstrings," indicating a need for a different evaluation approach
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Self-manipulation and over-stretching can provide temporary relief but may their stability and motor control in the long run.
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When hypermobile patients get relief from popping their back, it’s like scratching a mosquito bite… it feels good in the moment but ultimately causes more harm. This is because the temporary relief experienced through self-manipulation and over-stretching can be misleading, as these actions can lead to increased long term irritation. Hypermobile individuals often seek end-range positions to feel something because they have decreased proprioception. However, stretching into ranges where they lack motor control can worsen their stability. Education is important to help patients understand why they need to avoid stretching and self-manipulation. Stopping self-manipulation can be achieved by replacing it with a more effective strategy, such as stability exercises. For instance, squeezing a ball or performing a farmer's carry can provide core stabilization, reducing the feeling of tightness without stretching..
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Resistance tubing might be too challenging for hypermobile patients due to their unpredictable resistance.
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Using resistance tubing might not be the best early choice with patients who are hypermobile. It can be too unpredictable which can cause unwanted compensations and ultimately increase pain. Closed-chain exercises are often safe and effective for improving strength and proprioception.
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You can listen to the episode at the links below. If you'd like CEUs, make sure to use the MedBridge link.
