Redbridge SERC

Hypermobility

Description

  • Connective tissue proteins called collagen give the body its toughness. When these form differently the joints, ligaments etc become lax and are more fragile.
  • Hypermobility syndrome refers to a group of related conditions.
  • Marfan syndrome and Ehlers Danlos syndrome vascular type can have potentially serious complications.
  • Benign joint hypermobility and Ehlers Danlos Hypermobile Type cause discomfort but major organs are not affected.
  • Hyper means 'more' and Mobility means 'movement', so Hypermobility means 'more movement'.
  • This phrase means the joints can move further than most people.

Fact sheets

Training / Help

SEaTSS can support students with this condition.

To refer to SEATSS please use this link:

https://eforms.redbridge.gov.uk/single-point-of-access-referral-form-for-education-support/

Videos

Screenshot for video: Hypermobility & Marfan Syndrome

Hypermobility & Marfan Syndrome

A woman with Marfan Syndrome who has hypermobile joints.

Screenshot for video: Ehlers- Danlos Syndrome & Hypermobility

Ehlers- Danlos Syndrome & Hypermobility

A 10 year old boy who has Ehlers- Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobile joints.

Screenshot for video: Hypermobility- shoulder joints

Hypermobility- shoulder joints

A short video showing a young lady with hypermobile joints.

Learning Aids

Please offer me a seat badge

Please offer me a seat badge

Available from:

TfL have recently introduced a badge to help Adults and Children who may have difficulty standing/ waiting on all TfL transport. It is designed to be supportive for hidden disabilities and medical conditions. The badges are free- you do notneed…

Illustrations

Stickman Communication

Stickman Communication

Stickman Communications create brilliantly simple cards to help communicate a variety of conditions/ disabilities. They currently cover; * ASD * Sensory overload * Allergies  * Medical conditions  * Bowel and bladder conditions * Hypermobility and EDS * Migraine * Seizures * POTS /SVT * Visual impairment * Mental Health *…
Full Size image

Source: http://stickmancommunications.co.uk/epages/747384.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/747384/Categories/topics

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How common is it?

    It is estimated that 7- 10% of students have joints that have a greater range and at times associated discomfort.

    This can sometimes be known as 'growing pains'.

    Many students grow out of it when their joints become stronger.

  • How can students help themselves?
    • Build up muscles by regular exercise.
    • Warm up before exercise.
    • Avoid sports that mean you twist– football, tennis, squash, basketball
    • Swimming, Pilates and yoga are all good forms of exercise.
    • Manage a healthy weight.
    • Avoid carrying too many books– 2nd set at home, locker access around school, choose a school bag with two straps
    • Handwriting– try gel pens, pens with a thicker foam end, access to ICT etc
    • Access to extra time, electronic papers and rest breaks in examinations
  • How can I help a pupil who has Hypermobility?
    • Body/limb awareness when eyes are closed can be harder, causing people to present as less co-ordinated and suffer more injuries.
    • Female hormones soften ligaments making then more stretchy than usual, causing girls to have more pain around the time of their period.
    • If injured                    R —rest the injured joint      I — ice the joint                C— compress the injury                       E— elevate the injured joint
    • Heat and paracetamol can also help.
  • Does Hypermobility cause pain?

    Some people can have Hypermobility and it does not cause any difficulties for them, in fact some people use it to their advantage e.g. musicians, sports people.

    If you have a wide range of mobility and it causes pain, it may lead to a Hypermobility Syndrome diagnosis.

    Due to stretchy ligaments, the muscles have to work harder to keep their joints in the right position. This can make the muscles hurt.

    It can take longer for injuries to heal.

Family Resources

Contact a family

Website: 
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/
Description

A UK wide charity providing advice, information and support to parents of all disabled children. 

Sportability

Phone: 
020 8959 0089
Email: 
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: 
http://www.sportability.org.uk/
Description

Sportability is a charity dedicated to people with disabilities.

They arrange year-round activities including archery, canoeing, falconry, fishing etc.

They cater for people over the age of 12 and only cover England at present.

Ipsea

Website: 
http://www.ipsea.org.uk
Description

Independent parental education support service.