Myself being hypermobile, I cannot think of not doing an action right now – such as for example lifting the shopping in the supermarket or lifting a bag – without applying the Alexander Technique consciously because the dangers that can happen if I don’t do it are too many.
Roxani-Eleni Garafalaki
Hypermobility is the ability to move joints beyond the normal range of movement, and is most common in young people, women and in those of Asian and Afro-Caribbean heritage.
Hypermobility is now recognized as a spectrum. At one end of the spectrum it causes no symptoms; but at the other end are conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which can have serious complications. In between these extremes are various other hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSDs).
Hypermobile people are more prone to dislocate their joints and to injure the soft tissues around the joints. Their balance, coordination and proprioception are likely to be impaired, their skin can be thin and stretchy and they are also more likely to have digestive problems. Mental health can also be affected; including, for example, increased levels of anxiety.
The Alexander Technique can help. Recently, as part of the Alexander in Education online conference, Roxani-Eleni Garafalaki was interviewed. She is an Alexander Technique teacher who is a strong proponent of its effectiveness in helping her with her own hypermobility. The interview with her explores her own experience, how hypermobility can adversely affect children in their school environment, and how the Alexander Technique can help.
You can watch the interview here.
