Proprioception
The body's sense of where it is in space and how body parts are positioned and moving. Proprioceptive difficulties can occur with hypermobility and contribute to sensory processing challenges.
Overview
Proprioception is the body's sense of position and movement, and difficulties can occur with hypermobility and sensory processing differences.
Detailed Description
Proprioception refers to the body's ability to sense where it is in space, the position of body parts, and how they're moving. This sense comes from receptors in muscles, joints, and tendons. When joints are hypermobile, they can create 'proprioceptive noise' - less reliable information about body position, requiring more conscious effort to maintain posture and coordinate movement. This can contribute to fatigue, clumsiness, and increased nervous system load. Proprioceptive difficulties can also affect sensory processing more broadly.
How This Relates to ADHD
Proprioceptive challenges associated with hypermobility (which is more common in ADHD populations) can contribute to physical instability, increased fatigue, and additional sensory processing load. This may be one mechanism connecting hypermobility to increased nervous system stress in ADHD.
Treatment and Management
Proprioceptive training through physical therapy, specific exercises, and activities that provide proprioceptive input can help improve body awareness and coordination. This is particularly important when hypermobility is present.
Examples
- •Knowing where your hand is without looking
- •Sensing joint position and movement
- •Coordinating movement and balance
Take Action
Understanding Proprioception is just the beginning. Take our free ADHD assessment or explore diagnosis options in your area.
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