The hypermobile Christmas wish list

The number one Christmas gift would obviously be new joints and more collagen, but I don't think Santa has that in his sleigh. If I was writing a Christmas list on behalf of my body, it would go a little something like this:

1)  Beurer cosy heat pad- When I saw this online a few weeks ago I instantly knew I wanted it. It looks big and quite odd, but I don't care. The cold makes everything worse for hypermobility. My lower back and shoulders have been aching non-stop for about a month now. This is apparently better than a hot water bottle, which is my go-to for joint pain in winter, so I would be hugely intrigued to see if it makes a difference. Let's face it, this contraption looks like the dream for hypermobile sufferers and is a world away from my general Christmas list of make up and the whole of Top Shop, but needs must.

2) Harley original supportive neck pillow- I had a lot of discussion with my last physio therapist about neck pillows. Most of my pain is my shoulders and neck, which I know is common among the bendy community. They are apparently, if you get the right one, a real treat. Also I reckon a good one would help with the waking up in the night stuck in one position because I have gone completely stiff. I've seen this recommended on a couple of blogs so when I get one, I think it this will be pillow of choice. They also come in loads of sizes, even travel. Everyone loves choice. 

3) Deep Heat products- Basically, all of the products, particularly a large stash of heat patches, would be be ideal. Deep Heat has long been a good friend to my back and shoulders. I have to keep an emergency heat patch collection in my desk at work. They stay hot for about 8 hours and sometimes in the winter it's just nice to wear one to be warm, or stuff in your pocket to defrost your fingers.

4) Reiki- This is a bit out there, and may be a massive gamble, but I really want to try Reiki. In a nut shell, its a Japanese technique for stress reduction that promotes healing. My friend, who is a holistic therapist and hypermobile, recently went and had it done as part of a training course. Her account was that she left feeling straighter than she had in years. I've tried all manner of massage, and some have helped. I know you are often warned to steer clear of this type of thing with hypermobility, but I am too curious. I am going to take the plunge in 2015, so a review will be imminent. I've been recommended a place and a guy, so it's happening (hopefully) here: http://benbarnett.co.uk/classes/m-and-b-approach/ 

5) The Sleep Book- How to sleep well every night- My sleep varies from being completely fine to completely dreadful. It's been pretty poor lately, mostly because I can't get comfortable. Sometimes it isn't down to pain though, and I've seen this book mentioned on Twitter by some sleepy heads.

Pilates and hypermobility

Pilates is the gym class of choice for hypermobility. That's a massive sweeping statement, as everyone is different and some won't be able to do it at all, but when you ask at appointments or physio sessions, it's always the recommended one. I was always keen on being swept up in the yoga craze but my physio told me I would make everything a million times worse for myself if I did. I'm not sure if it was me being stubborn about the condition stopping me from doing something, or just that I found other things to help, but pilates has passed me by for ages. Until now.

Three weeks ago I finally took the plunge. Wednesday is now, and shall be known from now on, as pilates day. I'm hoping to keep it up for as long as I can because it really is helpful. I go to the gym and do all manner of exercise, but I never feel as good as I do after pilates.

The ache the next day is the good kind. The sort of 'I know this is doing something positive' ache. The first time I went I was slightly alarmed at the cracking and clicking noises flying out of my joints and the fear kicked in. I did have shoulder pain, as I do every time I put pressure on them, but it's lessened with every session and I am confident it is doing me the world of good. I feel less stiff and my joints the next day feel stronger, which I am hoping will be a long-term change.

The instructor focuses a lot on taking everything 'slo-o-o-o-w-l-y' and 'straightening yourself one vertebra at a time.' This attention to movement actually taught me a lot about how much I rush my joints. I can do so much more and have a lot more balance when I take every move extra slow. It's also very relaxing, which is good for anyone.

If you often feel like you need a good stretch and to click out a few joints, give it a go. I think my weak upper body was a bit shocked at first and I did have to hold back on a few positions, but my fourth session will be the one where I try everything.

You should obviously mention it to your instructor before you start, and a good one will ask if there is anything they should know. They don't need to be professionals in hypermobility to tell you to take your time and you know that anyway.

Two levels run at my gym, and I think that beginners will suit me for quite some time time. The general feeling among my joints after class two was 'WE LIKE THIS.'

A few terms like 'downwards facing dog' were thrown out there which I thought were exclusive to yoga, but I can just about handle them. Don't be scared to try it out. You can always stop halfway through if you feel like it's doing more harm than good.

I'm going to try a few different classes out across London in January and I can see a love affair forming in my mind already.