Book Now

Understanding Hypermobility and Its Impact on Vocal Function

Understanding Hypermobility and Its Impact on Vocal Function

– By Elle Holiday
Please note: this post is for educational information only and should not be considered medical advice

What is Hypermobility?

Hypermobility is a condition where joints easily move beyond the normal range expected for a particular joint. This flexibility can be advantageous in some situations, such as in certain sports or dance. However, it often comes with a spectrum of symptoms and challenges, especially when associated with connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).

Hypermobility occurs due to a lack of collagen, a protein that provides structure and strength to connective tissues. Collagen deficiencies result in ‘floppy’ ligaments, which are unable to provide adequate joint stability. This lack of support can lead to joint instability and frequent dislocations (Baeza‐Velasco, 2021).

Hypermobility manifests differently across individuals. For some, it may present as mild joint flexibility without any pain or complications. For others, it can involve significant joint pain, dislocations, and other systemic issues. The variability in presentation underscores the need for personalised medical approaches (Jeffery et al., 2021).

People with hypermobility may experience a range of symptoms, including:

  • Joint pain and instability
  • Frequent joint dislocations or subluxations
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Fatigue
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Cardiovascular symptoms


How Hypermobility Can Affect Singers

Hypermobility and Singing

Singers with hypermobility face unique challenges in maintaining consistent pitch and tone due to the involvement of the cricothyroid joint. This joint, crucial for controlling pitch, is responsible for lengthening and tensioning the vocal cords. When the cricothyroid joint is hypermobile, it can cause unpredictable pitch variations because of the instability in controlling the tension of the vocal cords (Jeffery et al., 2021).

Singers with hypermobility may notice several differences in their voice, including:

  • Inconsistent pitch control
  • Frequent voice breaks
  • Reduced vocal endurance
  • Increased vocal fatigue
  • Difficulty in maintaining a stable tone

Effects on Respiration, Phonation, and Resonance

  1. Respiration: Respiratory function can be impacted as hypermobility may affect the stability of the rib cage and the diaphragm, leading to inefficient breathing patterns. Efficient respiration for singing involves a stable rib cage and controlled diaphragm movement to provide steady air pressure for sustained phonation. In hypermobility, the rib cage and diaphragm might not maintain the necessary stability, resulting in variable breath support and reduced control over airflow (Bascom et al., 2021).
  2. Phonation: Hypermobile joints in the larynx can cause irregular tension in the vocal folds, leading to inconsistent voice production, pitch variability, and potential vocal fatigue. This can also result in issues like voice breaks and reduced vocal endurance (Menton et al., 2024).
  3. Resonance: The overall tone and quality of the voice can be affected if hypermobility impacts the alignment and function of the structures involved in resonance, including the throat, mouth, and nasal passages. Dislocations or instability in the jaw can lead to poor articulation and resonance issues, as noted by Ilgunas et al. (2020).

Specific Impact on Jaw and Tongue

Jaw hypermobility can lead to issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw. This impacts the ability to speak and sing effectively. Hypermobile individuals may experience frequent jaw clicking, popping, or locking, which can interfere with smooth, coordinated movements necessary for clear articulation (Ghibellini et al., 2015).

Tongue hypermobility can result in poor muscle tone and lack of coordination, further complicating speech and voice production. Issues with the tongue’s positioning and movement can lead to unclear speech and difficulty in achieving precise vocal articulations (Baeza‐Velasco, 2021).


Looking for a Hypermobility-Informed Singing Teacher?

All VocaLab Singing Teachers are educated on the impacts of hypermobility on the voice (some also are hypermobile themselves!) and have direct contact with a voice-specialising Speech Pathologist should any issues arise during your vocal training. CLICK HERE to read about our highly-trained Vocal Coaches and book in with us!


Hypermobility and Muscle Stiffness

Are Your Muscles Always Stiff and Tight in Your Upper Body?

Some hypermobile individuals report that they have constantly stiff and tight muscles throughout their body, regardless of how much stretching or relaxing they do. This is because their bodies are compensating for the lack of ligament strength needed to keep their joints stable. This muscle compensation can lead to increased muscle fatigue and pain as the muscles are overworked to manage the joint stability that the ligaments cannot provide (Ghibellini et al., 2015).

The Risk of Static Stretching

For individuals with hypermobility, static stretching is generally not advised. This is because it can exacerbate joint instability and lead to further injury. Static stretching can overly elongate already lax ligaments and tendons, reducing their ability to manage joints effectively (Robbins, 2022).


Comorbid Conditions with Hypermobility

Studies have shown that hypermobility is often comorbid with several other conditions, which can further complicate its management and symptoms. These conditions include:

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): There is a significant overlap between hypermobility and ADHD, with many individuals experiencing both conditions (Baeza‐Velasco et al., 2021).
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Some studies have found a higher prevalence of hypermobility in individuals with autism, suggesting a possible link between these conditions (Baeza‐Velasco et al., 2021).
  • Anxiety and Depression: Psychological symptoms are commonly reported in individuals with hypermobility, possibly due to chronic pain and the challenges of managing a long-term condition (Ghibellini et al., 2015).


If You Suspect Hypermobility

If you think you might be hypermobile, consider the following steps:

  1. Consult a Specialist: Seek a rheumatologist or a geneticist with experience in connective tissue disorders.
  2. Get a Second Opinion: If you are unsatisfied with the advice from one doctor, do not hesitate to consult another specialist.
  3. Therapeutic Support: Engage with physical therapists who have experience with hypermobility for tailored exercise programs.


Recommended Practices for Hypermobility

IMPORTANT: The following are recommendations from various healthcare providers who work specifically with people with hypermobility/hEDS. Before trying these recommendations, seek expert opinion from your medical provider. This is educational information and should not be considered medical advice.

Instead of static stretching, it is recommended by the articles and papers listed below that individuals with hypermobility should focus on:

  • Low-Impact Activities: Engaging in activities like swimming or cycling that are less likely to stress the joints excessively (Flex Appeal, 2024).


If you are a singing teacher and learnt something new from this one VocaLab blog post today, imagine what else you will learn in our 5-week signature Singing Teacher Training Course – The Vocal Educator Toolkit (VET)!

This holistic, evidence-based course is designed to empower and improve your effectiveness as a vocal teacher. Enhance your singing teaching skills with our CPD-accredited online course that integrates Speech Pathology practices and singing techniques. CLICK HERE to learn more about the VET and join a global community of vocal educators.


References

Share This :

Recent Posts

Join the VocaLab Newsletter

We’ll let you know about new posts, courses and much more!

SIGN UP HERE!