How Hypermobile are you?

You’ve probably clicked this because you were interested, wondered, curious, or any other word that would fit in greatly! The word “hypermobile” can be a slight misconception. In some definitions, you don’t even have to be able to do the splits or stretch to be considered a hypermobile. Being hypermobile can be a genetic no natural attribute that you have. You may be totally lost on this definition, and that is totally okay! Some examples could be licking your elbow, touching your elbows together behind your back, binding your thumb, and having your legs extended when standing. Your joints are just going a little further than what’s normal. In fact, it occurs in 2-57% of the population, according to NIH, the National Library of Medicine.  “The term hypermobility is defined as increased Range of Motion (ROM) in the joints, considering age, gender, and ethnicity” (NIH). Although it may seem cool to have these abilities, of this population, 10% suffer from this. Really, this is something that professionals are still studying on this and some information hasn’t been unfolded yet. Being hypermobile is more common in girls, but as you age, it can start to dissolve. Also, depending on what physical activity (sports/dance), having hypermobility in these categories can be positive or negative. Sometimes, you could have less control of your posture (weak spine), fatigue, and pain. Sometimes, there can be discomfort too. Don’t be afraid though, stay hydrated, do some exercise to strengthen your body, and properly stabilize your body.

Beighton Scale

Want to know how hypermobile you really are? There is a mini test, called the Beighton scale, which shows exactly what requirement you should have to be considered a hypermobile. Obviously, it’s completely normal to be able to do some of the exercises! Usually, being able to do the exercises below to be considered a hypermobile is very different for everyone. Most commonly, a score above 5 can be considered a hypermobile. Sometimes you may be able to do the exercise better on one side than the other (which I noticed on myself)!

1. Place your hand palm facing the ground. Extend your pinky further than 90 degrees.

2. In the same position, push your thumb to your forearm.

3. Extend your elbow out. If the angle is more than 10 degrees, you are hypermobile.

4. Stand and extend the knees, should be more than 10 degrees.

5. Do a standing pike stretch with your knees straight.

Once you’re dining doing this, total your points. If you can do an exercise on one side only, give yourself one point. If you can do an exercise on both sides, give yourself 2 points! If your score is more than 5, you are hypermobile!

Thanks for reading, see you in the next one! Feel free to comment what you want me to write next!

Main Sources Used

Blajwajs, Liron et al. “Hypermobility prevalence, measurements, and outcomes in childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood: a systematic review.” Rheumatology international vol. 43,8 (2023): 1423-1444. doi:10.1007/s00296-023-05338-x

Frank, Jonathan. “3 Ways to Know If You’re Double Jointed - WikiHow.” WikiHow, wikiHow, 9 Nov. 2015, www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You%27re-Double-Jointed.