hypermobile floppy child

[MMMOM]

Recently dd(9yrs) was diagnosed as hypermobile and her doctor suggested no sports like gymnastics or ballet. DD is motivated and enjoys a challenge, but can't run fast to  keep up with  her peers. Anyone have suggestions?  We also have the hardest time with finding sandals, her feet are very narrow, but measure "medium" because of  a bunion  forming.  Looking for any input.

[DariusMom]

I'll be eagerly waiting for replies. DS is now eight and was diagnosed as hypermobile back when he was four or so. The physiotherapist also said no to ballet, gymnastics, and yoga. Due to the hypermobility (as well as a just general lack of interest in sports), DS has absolutely no interest in participating in *anything* -- martial arts, hockey, soccer . .. .  He did like swimming and was pretty ok in it, so that's something you might want to try for your DD.

RE: the sandals . . .. There were *one* pair in the entire specialty kids' shoe store that DS could have. He has severely flat feet so has arch supports. That meant one kind of "closed" sandal that he could wear. Do you have a specialty kids' shoe store around? Although the shoes can be crazily expensive, if you have someone who really knows kids' feet, the advice and the good shoes are invaluable.

[NZJMama]

I would suggest swimming because that will help with core stability and help the floppiness overall. Are you working with a PT? You may want to consider some orthotics (little braces) to go in her shoes if the hypermobility is that significant. I am a pediatric PT, let me know if you have any specific questions if you aren't working with a PT.

[Mirzam]

I would recommend climbing, it is one of the best exercises for developing core strength. Of course you will need to have a rock climbing gym close-by that has classes for kids!

[MMMOM]

Originally Posted by NZJMama 

I would suggest swimming because that will help with core stability and help the floppiness overall. Are you working with a PT? You may want to consider some orthotics (little braces) to go in her shoes if the hypermobility is that significant. I am a pediatric PT, let me know if you have any specific questions if you aren't working with a PT.

We swim in an organized swimming excercise program at the local high school in the summer, which dd really enjoys.  She does not want to do swimming in the winter or be involved in a competitive team.  We are not working with a PT, but would love to know what type of excercises I can have her do at home.  Also, she wants to learn rollerblading and ice skating in the summer, would that be helpful to her?  As far as her shoes, my podiatrist made her some custom insoles which she uses in her tennis shoes.

And one last question...which is just a hunch on my part.  Do you think hypermobiltiy extends to intestine muscles?  She is always constipated.  We follow a pretty healthy diet and I don't belive she is allergic to diary.

[NZJMama]

Originally Posted by MMMOM 

We swim in an organized swimming excercise program at the local high school in the summer, which dd really enjoys.  She does not want to do swimming in the winter or be involved in a competitive team.  We are not working with a PT, but would love to know what type of excercises I can have her do at home.  Also, she wants to learn rollerblading and ice skating in the summer, would that be helpful to her?  As far as her shoes, my podiatrist made her some custom insoles which she uses in her tennis shoes.

And one last question...which is just a hunch on my part.  Do you think hypermobiltiy extends to intestine muscles?  She is always constipated.  We follow a pretty healthy diet and I don't belive she is allergic to diary.

Sorry, I just saw this or I would have replied sooner. Honestly, the reason your doc doesn't want her involved in gymnastics is because of the emphasis on flexibility (obviously). But, you can do gymnastics like activities with her without the focus on flexibility. Some ideas would be walking (forward, bkwd, sideways, stand on one leg whatever) on a balance beam. Monkey bars, or pull ups on a regular bar,climbing, jumping, leaps etc... Also sitting on a ball to color or do whatever she lilkes to do is a great way to strengthen her core. Avoid "w" sitting and try to remind her to have good posture without nagging. Our gymnastics school offers a kids conditioning class that does strength, balance and coordination activities may be a good option for her as well.  I forget how old she is but you might have her do different types of animal walks (bear walk, crab walk etc...) to help build up her shoulders and arms. A zoom ball is also a great toy for arms and shoulders. Drawing on an easel or on paper taped to a wall will be good for her too. Sorry this is a bit scattered, I'm trying to just throw out a bunch of ideas for you here.  

Does she tend to be clumsy or just floppy?  I ask because sometimes these kids have better balance and trip less if they have some little orthotics. Something to consider if she seems to trip alot, butif not than what she has is probably fine.

I can't really answer your question as far as constipation other than to say that the bowels move using muscle contraction so if those muscles are low tone as well I imagine it could have an impact.  

I hope that helps a bit. Good luck. 
 

[pigpokey]

Well.  If she *wishes* she could do ballet or gymnastics, and you want her to get some muscle, she might want to do cheer (base not flyer) and/or tumbling.  I think it would be quite easy to tell the coach not to have her stretch beyond the minimum to avoid a pulled muscle. Definitely no reason to do oversplits, etc.

Too bad she doesn't want to do swim team.   

[Dandy Lion]

Interesting. I know a few contortionists who use hyper-mobility to their advantage. The biggest problem with flexibility is not having the muscle to support it. I would get a second opinion from a physical therapist because she might really benefit from core work and other types of physical training. Rhythmic gymnastics might be great for her under a watchful eye and experienced coach.

[MMMOM]

thanks everyone for your replies!  I can always count on my virtual friends.

[Precious Soles]

There are very few brands that make sandals that are strong enough to accommodate an orthotic. unless the hypermobility is severe and the pediatrician has said specifically to wear orthoses at all times then having a normal sandal that the child can wear for a couple of hours each day as no specialist will recommend that a child wears sandals for any extended period so sandals really are more of an accessory for hypermobile children. hypermobile children for the most part should be in high backed strong supportive footwear and on "special" occasions allowed to wear something else. this in combination with physio exercises will increase muscle strength and joint stability.