Why are Gymnasts so Flexible?

Gymnasts are an extremely disciplined group of people. They spent countless hours training and perfecting their tricks to one day hopefully compete. Their skills require a great deal of flexibility that they must work at daily to maintain. Our ligaments and muscles are such that it takes many years to build up to a certain level of flexibility and just weeks to decrease it. This is why when a gymnast gets injured it takes so long for them to regain their level of athleticism.

There is a disorder that exists medically though that can increase your flexibility as a result of a medical condition. This condition is referred to as ligamentous laxity. Some signs of this condition are hyperextendable knees and elbows and the ability to bend your thumb to meet your forearm. These signs point to this condition which means there is an increased flexibility in your ligaments and they are not as taut as they typically would be.

Now, this sounds like it would be ideal for dancers and gymnasts that require a high level of flexibility. However, it also leads to an increased risk of injury. A ligaments tautness is what prevents it from bending and getting microtears. When this tightness is removed, your ligaments are left free to bend as they please and are more likely to suffer injuries. This is why some countries will not allow individuals with this condition to compete in these sports.

Unfortunately there is not much that can be done for these patients because the condition is on a cellular level. The best treatment is to avoid activities that exploit their flexibility. This means that although these people are more flexible they should stay away from gymnastics and ballet to reduce the likelihood of injury. In the event of an injury to a ligament, such as rolling your ankle, it is important that they seek medical help immediately.

If you or someone you know has undergone an ankle twist or sprain, our office staff would be more than happy to make an appointment for you.  Dr. Wachtel serves the Methuen, Tewksbury, Newburyport, and Lowell, Massachusetts areas.