Are you a floppy or a stiff?- Advanz Health (2024)

By Heaven believed - physiotherapist

A common misconception is that everyone needs more flexibility.In case this is the case for many people, there are also a large number of people who areHypermobiel(very flexible) that actually needs control and stability instead of more mobility.Hypermobility is genetic (you were born with it) and determined by how your ligaments are, as well as the length of your muscles and fascia (connective tissue) and the shape of your joints.

There is a very simple test to determine whether you are genetic hypermobile (flexible) or hypomobile (inflexible).It is called the Beighton score and is a brand of 9, with a higher score that indicates more mobility. Let us do it now:

You get a point for every page in objects A - D and a point for E, with a maximum possible score of 9.

If you scored 4 or higher, you will be considered common hypermobility.This is nothing to worry about, but it is important to be aware because it will change the rehabilitation style that is best for you.

If you have common hypermobility, you do not spend much time (if present) on stretching, trigger sizes andmassageOr manipulation.Små -quantities of these in the right places can be useful, but where you really have to spend your time on strength and posture control exercises.

Your flexible body needs support, no more mobility, so too much muscle delivery (stretching, massage, manipulations and adjustments) will probably make you worse.

There is also a connection between hypermobility and disorders such as anxiety and chronic pain due to increased pressure on the sympathetic chain (which controls our struggle or flight reaction), but it is a subject for another time.

If you scored under 4, you must also work on your mobility and flexibility while you still need the power and control work.

If a side message if you have ever speculated why some people are clearly better in some sports than others,HyperMobility (flexible) andHypoMobility (stiffer) plays a major role.Hypermobile people are clearly better at swimming, surfing, dancing and gymnastics, while hypomobile bodies are usually better in driving and agility and sport.

Non-genetic causes of stiffness and inflexibility

Although it is true that a certain amount of your mobility is controlled by your genetics, there are many aspects that can be improved.There are four important structures in the body that influence flexibility:

1. Muscles-OnHANCED by stretch, foam roll, trigger pointing, massage, muscle energy techniques, dry needles
2. Connective tissue- as above
3. Nerve- Nerve glasses and slides, stretching, dry needles, decompression of the nerve with differentphysioTechniques, everything that helps to relax the nervous system
4. LED -Mobilization of collections through exercises, physio techniques for improving common mobility, supplements that support common health.

We recommend having an assessment with one of our physios or to practice physiologists to determine whether you are hypermobile (floppy), hypomobile (stiff) or a place in between.We can then give you the right training program for your specific body type to ensure that you train in a safe and effective way.