Hypermobility & the Alexander Technique
What Is Hypermobility?
This flexibility can manifest in many ways, however, not everyone with hypermobility will experience the same symptoms, so the following list is by no means complete, nor is it what you personally may be dealing with.
Symptoms might include:
- musculoskeletal instability and pain
- coordination and balance problems
- muscle tone and strength
- frequent injuries & longer recovery
- postural issues
- learning hindrances
- voice and breathing problems
- fatigue and suboptimal sleep
- neck or back pain
- headaches
- pelvic floor weakness
- bowel issues
- digestive complaints
- pregnancy and postnatal issues
Hypermobility is a condition that affects around 10% of the population (usually inherited) in which the joints have a greater range of movement than is expected or considered normal.
For a smaller percentage of people, hypermobility is accompanied by symptoms relating to the body’s collagen being more elastic than the ‘norm’.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. Its fibre-like structure is used to make connective tissue. This type of tissue connects other tissues and is a major component of bone, skin, muscles, tendons, and cartilage.
As an automatic and mostly unconscious response – a sort of defence mechanism against the effects of this increased flexibility – the result is an over-tightening of the whole psychophysical system. This is a common source of pain, fatigue, and increased levels of anxiety and depression in people living with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD).
Living with hypermobility can mean that you don’t have as much control over your body as you’d like. The frustration, confusion, and disappointment of dealing with this largely invisible condition can be disheartening.
What if you could learn how to regain control of your psychophysical self, and be able to, in any given moment, respond to life with greater confidence?
The Alexander Technique can help you to reclaim agency over your wellbeing by teaching you skills that you can apply every day in every activity.
Jean M. O. Fischer writes:
“Conscious guidance and control may be described as the aim of the Alexander Technique. It is necessary for man’s adaptation to the rapid changing circumstances of modern life.
The Technique involves the process of substituting conscious control for unconscious, habitual control of human reaction, and eventually building up a conscious direction of our use of our self.”
The ability to function better, with a mindfulness that is empowering, knowing that, in any given moment, you can shift your response to the stimulus of life as it presents itself, giving you a choice and building confidence.
You find yourself being present, performing in your everyday activities with more efficiency in movement, fewer injuries, a clearer and more resonant voice, improved breathing, better digestion, and a brighter outlook.
A Game-changing Shift: Regaining Confidence
What are the Benefits of the Alexander Technique for Hypermobility?
hEDS, HSD and EDS
The Alexander Technique is one of the most effective tools for improving posture and movement coordination, enhancing proprioception and spatial awareness, as well as calming the central nervous system, all significant contributing factors to the experience of pain and fatigue.
An increasing number of medical professionals are recommending the Alexander Technique as an effective tool for individuals living with hypermobility and the related spectrum disorders.
Deterioration of quality of life is mainly associated with pain and fatigue.
FURTHER READING
On this site:
Elsewhere:
- What is HSD, The Ehlers-Danlos Society
- What is Hypermobility, HMSA
- Posture and Movement, Hypermobility Syndromes Association, U.K.
- Alexander Technique and Hypermobility, The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT) U.K.