Hypermobility syndrome

Anyone who isn't an idiot can become knowledgeable about weight lifting if they want to. It's not like it's some sort of closely guarded secret.

Nope but physiotherapists and doctors don't provide adequate advice apparently!

The impeccable safety record comes from olympic lifting and powerlifting who have a coach supervising. Does not apply to your average gym goer who turns up every week to whack out some 'squats' on a smith machine.

Still does not apply to this case. I fully advocate free-weight lifting for life. Just not in this case. At least not to start off with.

And ha, who is knowledgeable about weightlifting? Personal trainers? Please.

The study I use (the one referenced in the book Starting Strength 3rd Ed.) distinguishes "weight training" from competitive powerlifting and weightlifting, with weight training being marginally more risky than competitive weightlifting and powerlifting for the reasons you say (but still very safe). I think that the average person who goes to the gym to whack out some squats on the smith machine probably doesn't do it long enough to get injured as they get bored or dissatisfied with the lack of results, or did it once and notice "it doesn't feel right" and don't do it again. And that's what someone with JHS would do too if it hurt. But I just think it's exceptionally unlikely if they do it correctly.



Why does it not apply to this case?



Please don't put words in my mouth.

I wouldn't recommend lifting weights if you're hypermobile, at least not until you're going to physiotherapy and the physio knows what they're doing (alarmingly a lot of them don't ) and can help you with it - I can dislocate at the drop of a hat if the object I'm holding is too heavy. Being hypermobile your body overcompensates so you're using different muscles when you're engaging in the same activity as someone without hypermobility, this can lead to problems if you're unaware and also lead to injuries (e.g. sprains, dislocations), fatigue and a whole host of other things. Low impact sports/exercises are always best especially if you sublux or dislocate your joints frequently. So that's why it's recommended that you take part in things like pilates. swimming, walking is also good (personal favourite when I'm not bed bound), etc.

I personally didn't get referred to a physio, I got referred to a rheumatologist and they assessed me by using the Beighton score (I got 8/9) and the Brighton criteria. I had both of the major criteria and three minor, he then diagnosed me with hypermobility syndrome (HMS)/hypermobility type, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS) (they use both of these in my notes, some don't think they're separate conditions ). I was also told to see Professor Rodney Grahame in UCL as they have a specialist hypermobility unit there.

Not sure what to suggest regarding your clicky joints, I also have this problem, especially in my wrists and ankles. Could theoretically make my own orchestra. Do you get DSA?

Btw don't know if it is useful to you but I also have hypermobility (and flat feet) and I have found that I got a lot of support from the DSA and uni.

I also have it in muliple joints, including my wrists and I have extra time in exams and rest breaks. It could definitely be something to think about as writing solidly for a couple of hours can have a big impact.

Wow this escalated quickly!


Ah okay then, thank you! Is the Brighton criteria the one where they assess your thumbs, knees, elbows, etc, and see if you can put your hands on the floor? I've had problems with my knees since I was ten and as a child I was so accident prone in PE that I needed training on how to use the PE equipment safely and they thought I was dyspraxic (I'm not).
!