Are you a dancer or gymnast pushing the limits of your flexibility? Beware of hyperextension, a common issue that can lead to long-term spinal problems. If this is you, know that our team at Campbelltown Chiropractic is here to offer guidance and support to protect your spine and long-term health while maximising your flexibility (and balance, stability, and strength) gains. Or if you suspect you’ve already pushed a bit too far, we’re here to help you find health again. Call us on 4628 7227 to schedule an appointment. But in the meantime, let’s understand hyperextension.
What is Hyperextension?
Hyperextension is when a joint is straightened too much, bending backward from its usual resting position. When you bend your neck backward beyond its neutral position, you’re hyperextending your neck. We probably all do it a little bit. But think about a gymnast pushing themselves into back bends or a dancer overextending their knees while aiming for ever higher arabesques and you’ll begin to see how this could really wear at joints over time.
Hyperextension is related to hypermobility. Hypermobility refers to the ability of a joint to move beyond its normal range of motion in multiple directions. This condition often involves increased flexibility and laxity of ligaments. While it gives you extra flexibility, it makes you more likely to suffer an injury (since without proper management it can affect balance and stability).
Whatever the reason, excessive hyperextension can lead to various issues, especially in those with inherently flexible spines.
Risks and Consequences of Hyperextension
Long-term consequences may include:
- Increased Risk of Injury: Overly flexible bodies are more susceptible to strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries, particularly during high-impact movements or sudden changes in direction.
- Degenerative Changes: Excessive hyperextension can accelerate wear and tear on joints, leading to degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis and disc degeneration later in life.
- Instability: Hyperextension can compromise stability by overstretching ligaments and weakening the supportive structures. In the spine this increases the risk of instability and misalignment.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care offers holistic approaches to address hyperextension and support joint health in dancers and gymnasts. Our chiropractors can:
- Assess Alignment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment to evaluate alignment, mobility, and stability, identifying areas of concern and potential imbalances.
- Provide Adjustments: Gentle adjustments realign joints, reducing joint restrictions, and alleviate pressure on the nerves.
- Offer Rehabilitation Strategies: Develop personalised rehabilitation programmes incorporating exercises, stretches, and ergonomic advice to address muscular imbalances, improve core strength, and enhancing joint stability.
Conclusion
Don’t wait until injury strikes. Contact Campbelltown Chiropractic today on 4628 7227 to schedule an appointment with our experienced chiropractors and take proactive steps towards protecting your joints and spine. We’re here help you maintain flexibility, strength, and resilience for a lifetime of dance and gymnastics enjoyment.
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References
Skwiot M, Śliwiński G, Milanese S, Śliwiński Z. (2019). Hypermobility of joints in dancers. PloS one, 14(2), e0212188. [Online] Available at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30794600/. Accessed on 20/02/2024.
Bulkeley, G., Noreen, N., Riddle, E., & Rivera, M. (2021). Improving Knee Alignment in Dancers with Hyperextension: Quadricep Strengthening vs. Practicing and Cueing. [Online] Available at https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/bitstream/handle/1969.1/188476/BULKELEY-FINALTHESIS-2021.pdf?sequence=1. Accessed on 20/02/2024.
