Hyper-mobility and Hypo-mobility syndrome and Gentle Release Therapy

These are both conditions that affect the joints, cause stiffness and pain, they both affect the joints differently, and they are both tested in different ways; Hyper/hypo mobility and how it affects the body, Hyper mobility; is a condition that affects the whole body, especially the joints, and causes a lot of pain, discomfort and people are often described as being double jointed. This affects all aspects of the body, especially the ball and socket joints, the hips, shoulders and the knees. Dislocated joints and sprains are also very common, side-effects of this condition include being tired, poor balance or coordination, bladder and bowel problems and people can also suffer from thin, stretchy skin.

It usually affects children and young people, and can often improve as people age. Hypo mobility; is the same in that it affects the joints, causing stiffness and pain, but the difference being is, it causes the joints to be too tight, causing movements to be restricted and decreased. The ligaments are too short and too tight, inhibiting the ability to stretch and move normally without pain and discomfort. This condition can particularly affect the SI joint, which is located in the pelvis, and links in with the iliac bone to the sacrum, the lowest part of the spine. Hypo mobility is often caused by arthritis, as it triggers the bones to rub against each other and cause extreme pain.

When testing for hyper/hypo mobility a test called Beighton score method is used along with the 10 point test. The Beighton method consists of a nine-point scoring system, and includes the performance of only five moves. The disadvantages of this test is that that they only test just a small number of joints. The 10 point test offers much more of a wide range of joint laxity, as it includes the shoulder, hip, patella, ankle and foot and toes. A blood test or X-ray can also be carried out, these help to rule out other conditions especially arthritis.

Gentle Release Therapy (GRT) is an energy treatment based on Chinese medicine, it helps the whole body as both these conditions affects many of our vital organs. A variety of emotions resulting from these conditions can be held within these organs and can cause the body to be out of line, by receiving Gentle Release Therapy, it can help to remove these blocks held within the meridians and organs and help to restore harmony within the body. 

Listed below is how GRT can help the vital organs to release and restore harmony within the body:

The Liver and the Gallbladder can hold anger, frustration and resentment and is connected to the ligaments and tendons within the body and so by releasing these organs, the blood and the Qi flow much better round the whole of the body but it’s also vital to the functioning of the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems.

The Spleen and the Stomach can hold worry causing overthinking, both organs are linked to soft tissue, muscles, the four limbs and fat held within the body by receiving GRT it can help to release these two organs, which can help to reduce sugar cravings (as sugar can damage the spleen) most importantly it can also help with aiding the digestion of food. It also helps to support and balance the lymphatic system and the all important muscular system as this is vital in allowing movement and maintaining a supportive posture, which is so important to people suffering from this condition.

The Kidney and Bladder can hold fear, is connected to the ears, knees and lower back by releasing these organs with GRT, it can help to relieve these imbalances. These organs link in with birth, growth and reproduction. It is also linked to the Urinary System, which is vital in eliminating waste/toxins from our bodies, along side regulating blood pressure within the body. 

The Heart and the Small Intestine are both linked and the emotion that we hold here is joy or if suffering from emotional worry or pain, this emotion like many can become blocked and may start to experience anxiety or stomach problems. There are three acupuncture points Ren 14, 15 and 16, all located in the heart area. All vital as they help to release and calm the heart along with helping to calm the lungs and the mind. It can also help the small intestine to release by assisting in calming this area as cramping, bloating, weakness and fatigue can be experienced here, along with supporting digestion and absorption of starch, proteins and carbohydrates.

The Lungs and the Large intestine are also both linked and can hold emotions such as grief, worry and sadness. By receiving GRT it can help to create a feeling of freedom as it allows the diaphragm to move freely, aid deeper breathing (sighing especially is a sign of release whilst receiving the treatment) alongside assisting the ongoing vital function of the circulatory system. By releasing the Large Intestine it aids it’s function in absorbing water and salts from undigested foods and can help to ensure it’s vital function in eliminating waste and toxins from the body. 

The Houston valve and the Ileocecal valve are also vital to the body functioning on a more even keel as they both help to release trapped emotions, they are both linked to the small and large intestines and by helping to release the Ileocecal value especially, can help with skin problems, back pain, IBS and tension. Helping to release the Houston valve, can help to restore the natural balance in the body.

Managing and coping with hyper/hypo mobility in every day life.

Although there is no cure, there are other ways to help and manage these conditions, but the main objective for both is to increase the bodies range of movements, to strengthen and improve muscle tone and to protect the joints; physiotherapy, low impact aerobic exercise and hydrotherapy water exercises all help to do this. Pilates especially as it can help to strengthen the core muscles. Like many conditions some people are more affected by their symptoms than others.

Taking medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (also available in a gel or spray), may also help with relieving the pain associated with both conditions, if these are not suitable or not effective in helping to reduce the pain, a GP will be able to prescribe stronger pain killers or refer to a pain clinic to offer help or assistance. steroid injections and lidocaine into the joint. There is also an Holistic approach that people can adopt with help dealing with both of these conditions by joining patient support groups, where people can talk too others in the same position. Complementary therapy such as massage can also help with muscle tone, releasing toxins in the body especially with lower back pain, precision reflexology can also help to release and align the energies within the body.

Gentle Release Therapy is an energy based treatment, based on Chinese medicine and the meridians found within the body.

Results with Gentle Release Therapy

Jo has been supporting her one of her longstanding clients with Gentle Release Therapy as one of her case studies and her client has kindly given this fantastic testimonial. 

"Jo has been my reflexologist for 18 months and helps me to manage my pain induced by my hypermobility through the use of relaxation and energy links. I walk using sticks to minimise subluxations and suffer with chronic pain in my lower back, left hip and left knee. When she asked if I would be interested in being a case study for her Gentle Release Therapy course I jumped at the opportunity. It has been a fascinating journey in further understanding my body. During the sessions it is very relaxing and I feel a strong flow of energy through my body. After each session, over the course of the following week I feel much stronger, I feel as if I am carrying myself and supporting my joints more effectively and all importantly in less pain. I often only need one stick rather than regularly relying on two. I am looking forward to Jo becoming qualified so that she can incorporate Gentle Release Therapy into my pain management routine."  

Article written by Jo Smith

Jo works in Leicestershire you can get in touch via her facebook page https://www.facebook.com/josmithreflexology

Edited by Helen Robinson - Founder Gentle Release Therapy & EnerQi Facial Rejuvenation