Ep 5 - Are you "Double jointed" with lots of aches and pains?

If you are double-jointed and have a favorite party trick my osteopathy tutor used to say "one person's party trick is another person's trip to A & E!" While the relaxed ligaments in your jaw let you fit your fist in your mouth and make your friends laugh if your muscles go into spasm or your jaw dislocates it will be less funny waiting for the ambulance.

The medical term for being double-jointed is hypermobility and that is what we cover in this episode.

Bob is an osteopath who has been treating people's pain problems since 2008. while Louise, is a change coach who helps individuals and businesses navigate change. Although she has no clinical experience she has been in pain and is qualified to ask the questions you would if you had access to a friendly and knowledgeable medical expert.

Bob and Louise provide you with a detailed exploration of hypermobility, otherwise known as being 'double-jointed'. covering why it allows you an increased range of motion in your joints. While it's not generally a problem it can have a profound effect on your physical health if your ligaments, tendons, and general connective tissue are too stretchy leading to joint instability and a range of other problems.

We discuss why hypermobility is often undiagnosed and introduce the Beighton scale, which is a pivotal tool for assessing joint flexibility. The importance of early diagnosis is also covered and the fact that many individuals are unaware of their hypermobility and don't seek treatment for any related symptoms.

Here is a link that explains the Beighton scale and how you can do the test yourself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwWts_P-Xws

The episode also highlights the connection between hypermobility and various genetic conditions, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome, which can further complicate the clinical picture. Bob advocates for a comprehensive approach to healthcare, where practitioners from different medical disciplines, recognise symptoms that may be connected and propose a treatment plan that covers all of those symptoms.

This episode aims to raise awareness of hypermobility and all the implications of being very flexible so that you can recognise the signs and symptoms and find someone that can help you manage the condition if needed. The good news is that the majority of cases of hypermobility do not cause any problems and most people are unaware that they have it. Having said that, if your joints are very flexible and you have a history of muscle & joint pain, stomach issues, heart problems, and other seemingly unrelated issues you need to see your healthcare provider for further investigation.

Takeaways:

• Hypermobility affects approximately 30% of the global population, leading to various symptoms.
• The condition is characterized by an increased range of motion in joints due to lax ligaments.
• Hypermobility can have genetic links, with certain ethnic groups exhibiting higher prevalence rates.
• Many individuals with hypermobility remain asymptomatic and are unaware of their condition.
• Effective management of hypermobility includes targeted exercises that enhance muscle strength and joint stability.
• Diagnosis often utilizes the Beighton score, which assesses flexibility in various joints.

More info on Bob and Louise

You can find out more about Bob and why he became an osteopath here

Here is something more on Louise and how She makes the complex simple

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