Hypermobility Test: Try These Movements to Assess Your Joint Flexibility

Joint hypermobility occurs when connective tissues, ligaments, and joint capsules possess an unusually high degree of elasticity and flexibility. While high flexibility can be advantageous in certain sports, systemic joint hypermobility often leads to joint instability, chronic muscle fatigue, frequent sprains, and unexplained musculoskeletal pain.

In this video, we go through the clinical Beighton Score hypermobility assessment protocol — a standardized 9-point screening test used by physical therapists and rheumatologists worldwide to evaluate generalized joint laxity:

1. Fifth Finger Hyperextension (1 point per hand): Place your palm flat on a table. Can you bend your little finger (fifth metacarpophalangeal joint) backward beyond 90 degrees?

2. Thumb-to-Forearm Touch (1 point per hand): Flex your wrist downward and bring your thumb back toward your inner forearm. Can your thumb touch your forearm easily?

3. Elbow Hyperextension (1 point per arm): Extend your arm fully. Does your elbow joint hyperextend beyond 10 degrees past straight alignment?

4. Knee Hyperextension (1 point per leg): Stand tall and lock your knees. Do your knee joints extend backward (recurvatum) beyond 10 degrees?

5. Forward Trunk Flexion (1 point): Bend forward at the waist with your knees completely straight. Can you place the palms of both hands flat on the floor in front of your feet?

Scoring Interpretation: A score of 4 out of 9 or higher indicates generalized joint hypermobility. If you score high on the Beighton scale and experience frequent joint clicks, muscle soreness, or joint subluxations, your rehabilitation focus should shift from stretching to deep motor control, joint stabilization exercises, and proprioceptive strength training.