A Cwmbran woman has contacted Cwmbran Life as part of personal research into hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) and how people with the condition exercise.
Hannah‑Bethan Smyth has the condition. She is looking at gaining personal training qualifications and wants to understand whether there is a local need for specialist support.
She said: “I’m doing a bit of research because I have a condition called HSD, which is a connective tissue disorder that affects my joints and causes pain and/or instability, possible dislocations or subluxations (partial dislocations).
“There are other types that include more symptoms, including stretchy skin, bruising easily, fatigue, digestive problems, [and] problems with internal organs.”
Hannah hopes to hear from people in Cwmbran and the surrounding area who may benefit from specialist fitness support. She said she wants to understand how many local residents live with hypermobility‑related conditions and need guidance on exercising, lifting and functioning safely.