Impact
Hypermobility has an inextricable impact on the musician - the more you know about its challenges and benefits, as well as how they directly relate to playing the instrument, the better.
Physical
Musicians obviously use their bodies to play their instruments. However, many are not trained beyond the most local or applicable anatomy as it relates to the instrument. For the hypermobile musician, there needs to be direct understanding of how the hypermobile joints relate to set-up and technique, all of which to prevent playing-related tension and injury.
Mental
Generally speaking, those with hypermobility lack clear proprioception, or an understanding of the body’s ability to sense movement as well as its location. While safe strengthening and movement are key to the hypermobile musician’s journey in improving joint stability and decreasing pain, an equally if not almost more important role with movement practice is to establish a clearer brain to body connection, so the correct muscle groups can be activated for any given physical movement. Additionally, many diagnosed with hEDS can experience brain fog associated with dysautonomia, neurodivergence, and/or anxiety; all of which are important to understand when approaching practicing and performing as a musician. Many of the challenges associated with the trifecta of hypermobility, dysautonomia, and mast cell activation syndrome can be rooted in nervous system dysregulation–a musician’s life is not one without stress from performing and traveling, so managing mental health is paramount to reducing cortisol and inflammation in the body, as well as generally supporting the nervous system.
Benefits
While there are many potential pitfalls when managing hypermobility, there are also clear benefits! Increased range of motion and flexibility, when managed properly, can allow for greater ease of motion and movement on the instrument. For a string player, this might look like extra-sumptuous vibrato or a supple bow hand due to looser wrists and finger joints. For a pianist, this might look like stretching for octaves with ease within the hand. For a percussionist, this might look like greater ease with repetitive motion from the wrist. The subtleties are there for every instrument and, just as some theorize that this flexible “edge” explains the prevalence of hypermobile humans in the dance world, it would also explain how many hypermobile folks find themselves drawn towards music-making. Additionally, the training required of musicians typically results in incredible discipline and work ethic; these qualities are also needed when approaching hypermobility management, so musicians are especially well-equipped to handle management practices!
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN
Hypermobility Management
& Musician Practice
Dedication and consistency
Showing up even (and especially) when it is hard
Mindfulness and balance
Mental and physical awareness to avoid overdoing (or underdoing)
Attention to detail and organization
Structure provides freedom
Problem solving and creativity
Looking at issues from multiple angles
Patience and perspective
Daily work for long term results