Hyperflexion

What Does Hyperflexion Mean?

Hyperflexion is the flexion movement of a muscle that extends beyond the body's normal range of motion. Flexion motions bring two adjacent bones together by reducing the angle at the joint, such as when the elbow is bent. In hyperflexion, a joint is bent beyond its normal limits and can cause injury of variying degrees of severity.

WorkplaceTesting Explains Hyperflexion

Hyperflexion refers to the movement of a flexor muscle beyond its normal limit. Hyperflexion may occur as a result of a fall, or a vehicular or industrial accident. In a hyperflexion injury, the muscles, ligaments, and other tissue surrounding the joint may be torn, dislocated, or otherwise damaged. An example of a hyperflexion related injury is cervical whiplash syndrome. This injury results in a combination of violent hyperflexion and hyperextension.

Muscle strains may also be caused by hyperflexion injuries and can range in severity from mild to debilitating. Pain and swelling are common symptoms of hyperflexion injuries. The body's tissue will begin to heal itself following a hyperflexion injury, but physical therapy may be required to prevent the resulting scar tissue from limiting mobility.

Good worksite training on proper lifting and other safety procedures, combined with good ergonomic practices, can help to reduce hyperflexion motions and therefore reduce the risk of injury.