What Is Hypermobility (And How Do You Know If You Have It?) 
If you’ve ever been told you’re “double-jointed” or praised for your flexibility, you might actually have hypermobility—a condition that affects how your joints move and stabilize. While it might seem like a party trick, hypermobility can lead to chronic pain, injuries, and long-term joint problems if not properly managed.
At MYo Lab Health & Wellness in Calgary, we can help identify & manage hypermobility.
Understanding Hypermobility
Hypermobility, also called joint hypermobility, occurs when your joints move beyond the normal range of motion. This happens because the connective tissues (ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules) that stabilize your joints are more elastic or “stretchy” than average.
While some degree of flexibility is healthy, hypermobility means your joints lack the structural support they need. Think of it like a door with loose hinges—it might swing open easily, but it’s also unstable and prone to damage.
Types of Hypermobility
Generalized Joint Hypermobility: Affects multiple joints throughout the body and is often genetic.
Localized Hypermobility: Affects only specific joints, sometimes due to overuse or previous injury.
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD): When hypermobility causes symptoms like pain and fatigue but doesn’t meet criteria for other conditions.
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS): A genetic connective tissue disorder with additional symptoms beyond joint hypermobility.
How Do You Know If You Have It?
The Beighton Score
Healthcare providers often use the Beighton Score, a simple 9-point test, to assess hypermobility. You receive one point for each of the following:
- Pinky finger bends backward beyond 90 degrees (1 point per hand)
- Thumb touches forearm when bent backward (1 point per hand)
- Elbow hyperextends beyond 10 degrees (1 point per arm)
- Knee hyperextends beyond 10 degrees (1 point per leg)
- Palms flat on floor with straight legs (1 point)
A score of 4 or more out of 9 suggests hypermobility.
Common Signs You Might Have Hypermobility
Beyond the Beighton Score, watch for these indicators:
- Joints that “pop” or dislocate easily
- Frequent sprains or strains
- Chronic joint or muscle pain
- Poor proprioception (knowing where your body is in space)
- Fatigue after physical activity
- Bruising easily
- Slow wound healing
- Flat feet or unusual walking patterns
- History of being called “clumsy” or “flexible”
When to Seek Professional Help
If you suspect hypermobility, especially if you experience pain, frequent injuries, or it impacts your daily life, consult a healthcare provider with training in hypermobility conditions.
At MYo Lab, we can assess and manage hypermobility through:
- Comprehensive movement assessments
- Targeted strengthening programs
- Joint stabilization techniques
- Education on protecting hypermobile joints
- Collaborative care with massage therapists
Living Well With Hypermobility
The good news? With proper guidance, many people with hypermobility can live active, pain-free lives. The key is building strength and stability around those mobile joints, learning proper movement patterns, and avoiding positions that stress vulnerable joints.
Ready to Get Assessed?
If you think you might have hypermobility, our team at MYo Lab Health & Wellness can help. Our Calgary chiropractors offer personalized care plans to help you move better and feel stronger.
Book your assessment today: – Call: (403) 930-8686 – Email: info@myolab.ca – Visit: 227 10 St NW, Suite 300, Calgary, AB
Located just 5 minutes from Sunnyside C-Train station with complimentary parking available.
Written & fact-checked by Dr. Chantelle Green.
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