[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/02\/hypermobility-in-dancers\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/02\/hypermobility-in-dancers\/","headline":"Hypermobility: Why Is It Common in Dancers?","name":"Hypermobility: Why Is It Common in Dancers?","description":"Dancers require a high degree of joint mobility to perform in their sport, which sometimes results in hypermobility. What is Hypermobility? Hypermobility features joints that easily move beyond a normal range of motion. With this need for heightened mobility comes the need for great stabilization through strength. Hypermobility can be present in just one or […]","datePublished":"2020-02-14","dateModified":"2022-05-19","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/sports-medicine-regions","name":"Sports Medicine","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/sports-medicine-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/sports-medicine\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/dancer.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/dancer.jpg","height":324,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/02\/hypermobility-in-dancers\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Sports Medicine"],"wordCount":357,"articleBody":"Dancers require a high degree of joint mobility to perform in their sport, which sometimes results in hypermobility.What is Hypermobility?Hypermobility features joints that easily move beyond a normal range of motion. With this need for heightened mobility comes the need for great stabilization through strength.Hypermobility can be present in just one or two joints, which is most often due to structural or bony differences. But, when hypermobility is more widespread, it may be caused by structurally deficient collagen proteins in the tissues that surround the joints.Is Hypermobility Dangerous?Contrary to popular belief, hypermobility may not always be negative for dancers. Hypermobility is often required to execute the demands of dance, including the aesthetic lines of classical ballet. Extreme cases of hypermobility, however, can cause pain and other issues, both short and long term. These issues may include the following:BruisingChronic overuse injuries, such as tendonitisDifficulty maintaining neutral or proper posturesEarly-onset of arthritis in other jointsFatigueFeeling that joints are \u201cout of place\u201dJoint subluxation and dislocationPainPoor proprioception (awareness of where your body and joints are in space)Slow tissue healingIf you believe you have hypermobility, you may consider the following:See a licensed healthcare provider.\u00a0A physical therapist can perform a thorough evaluation of your muscles, joints, and other body systems to determine if your hypermobility is severe.A physical therapist can provide an exercise program to address postural issues, correct muscle imbalances, train core musculature, teach self-corrections,\u00a0and work on proprioception and balance.A physical therapist may also use taping, bracing, or compression garments for class and rehearsal to help your body improve more quickly and to protect your joints while you retrain them.If you have more severe symptoms, a physical therapist can help you find the appropriate physician to perform additional testing.\u00a0Some symptoms of hypermobility syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may require medications or ongoing medical management.To learn more about UPMC Sports Medicine, or to schedule an appointment, please visit UPMCSportsMedicine.com or call 1-855-93-SPORT (77678).Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 14, 2020, and was last reviewed on May 19, 2022."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2020","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"02","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/\/02\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Hypermobility: Why Is It Common in Dancers?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/02\/hypermobility-in-dancers\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]