Hello, sorry to hear about your problems.
Hypermobile joints have a range of movement which exceeds the normal range, usually due to laxity of the surrounding ligaments. This determined by the content of various proteins such as collagen and elastin.
Rarely there may be an underlying genetic disorder such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome or Marfan’s syndrome. These conditions may be associated with blood vessel problems – if you have concerns it may be worth seeing a geneticist in Singapore for screening.
Hypermobility may be beneficial for certain sports e.g. gymnastics, dancing and swimming, but is associated with a higher rate of injury and potentially slower rate of recovery.
You should avoid stretching hyperflexible muscles further. Instead, concentrate on isometric or concentric strengthening exercises. In isometric exercise, the muscles are working, but the joints don’t change position. With concentric exercises, muscles shorten as t for example like your biceps during a biceps curl.
Sustained muscle stretches are not recommended for hypermobility syndrome, because muscles and ligaments are already too lax.
Eccentric exercises should be avoided – these occur when a muscle contracts while lengthening. An example of an eccentric contraction is when you lower the weight back down to starting position after a biceps curl.
Keeping muscles strong throughout their entire range of motion is important. Muscles tend to be strongest in their mid-range and weakest at either extreme of motion. That means a joint will be most vulnerable, or least protected, when it is at the end of its range of motion.
Your condition is likely to be managed in a multidisciplinary setting (ie. seeing lots of specialists) due to its nature and the many effects it can have on your body.
I recommended initially working with a sports doctor and physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles surrounding the most vulnerable joints: your shoulders, elbows, knees and ankles, as well as your core musculature.
Here are various resources that will help you understand and manage your condition:
http://www.hypermobilityconnect.com/
I hope you found this useful and Good Luck!
