Bendy kids? What parents should know
Have you ever noticed your kid bending in ways that surprise you? That's called hyperflexibility, where their joints go extra stretchy.
What's hyperflexibility?
Kids whose joints can move beyond the normal range of motion suffer from hyperflexibility, also known as joint hypermobility; this could be due to factors like genetics, collagen disorders, muscle imbalances, or specific physical activities that exacerbate hypermobility. It might manifest as bending fingers backwards, extending joints beyond their typical range, or performing contortion-like movements.
Many kids love the idea of being super bendy! But just like stretching a rubber band too far can make it loose and weak, too much joint bending can cause issues that, with age, become more difficult to address.
Why it's essential to act:
If your child's joints seem too bendy or if they often complain about pains or injuries, it might be a sign to take notice. Finding help early on can be a game-changer! It's not about stopping the fun—they can still be super flexible superheroes—but it's about keeping them strong and safe.
Pilates: Your secret weapon!
Pilates isn't just for grown-ups. It's like a superpower class for kids too! Here's why enrolling your child with hypermobile joints might be a fantastic idea:
Strength & Stability: Pilates helps build strong muscles around those bendy joints; you can tell them it is like a superhero's shield that will protect them.
Mind-Body magic: It's not just about muscles; Pilates teaches them how to move mindfully. They learn to control their amazing stretchiness and prevent future problems.
Fun factor: Forget boring workouts! Pilates for kids is a blast—they will understand how to use their core, and at the same time, they will play cool games and stretch while secretly becoming stronger.
Why start early?
By getting your kid into Pilates now, you're setting them up for a lifetime of better movement. It's like giving them a cool gadget to navigate the world without joint worries.
Being your kid's exercise coach:
You've got this! Keep an eye on how they move. If something seems off or they're always saying "ouch," it's time for a chat with a health specialist and look for a Pilates instructor who knows about joints.
The good news:
Even when some research studies* among children between 3-19 years have shown a 34% prevalence of joint hypermobility, this tends to decrease with age, suggesting a lower occurrence as individuals grow older, especially into adulthood.
Helping your child gain body awareness and practise exercise to strengthen their muscles and bonds will help them to decrease this tendency.
Final pep talk:
Parents, you're superheroes too! By guiding your kid toward healthy habits, like Pilates, you're helping them leap into teenage years and adulthood feeling strong and flexible. So, let's flex those muscles, keep them strong, and unleash the superhero in your super flexible child!
Check the short video on the home page with three exercises for core strength
*Source: Prevalence of joint hypermobility in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis
