Are You Hypermobile?
Everyone falls somewhere on the spectrum of joint flexibility. While some people may find it challenging to reach their toes, others can effortlessly bend and twist in ways that seem almost impossible. If you belong to the latter category, you might be experiencing joint hypermobility. This blog post will explore what it means to be hypermobile. I will discuss the Beighton Scoring System, a well-established and widely used method to assess joint flexibility and help diagnose hypermobility syndromes.
What is Hypermobility?
Hypermobility refers to joints that stretch farther than usual. For some, this can be a benign condition, often called joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) or simply being "double-jointed." However, in other cases, it can be part of more complex system of disorders like Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder or Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), which can have significant health implications.
The Beighton Scoring System:
The Beighton Scoring System is a simple, widely used tool to quantify joint laxity and hypermobility. It evaluates the flexibility of nine specific joints in the body, with a maximum score of 9 points. Here’s how the scoring works:
1. Pinky Finger Extension (>90 degrees)
Score: 1 point for each little finger that can bend backwards over 90 degrees.
Total Possible Points: 2
2. Thumb to Forearm
Score: 1 point for each thumb that can touch the forearm when bent backwards.
Total Possible Points: 2
3. Elbow Hyperextension (>10 degrees)
Score: 1 point for each elbow that extends beyond 10 degrees.
Total Possible Points: 2
4. Knee Hyperextension (>10 degrees)
Score: 1 point for each knee that hyperextends beyond 10 degrees.
Total Possible Points: 2
5. Spine Flexibility
Score: 1 point if you can place your palms flat on the ground while bending forward with straight legs.
Total Possible Points: 1
What’s Your Score?
Did you score 4 or higher? A higher score on the Beighton scale indicates greater joint laxity. Typically, a score of 4 or more suggests clinical hypermobility. However, this score is just one small part of a larger diagnostic process, which also takes into consideration your daily symptoms, medical history, and utilizes other testing measures when needed.
Age Dependencies and Variability
It's important to note that the Beighton Score can vary significantly depending on age and other factors. Children and young adults often score higher due to naturally increased flexibility, which may decrease with age. Thus, assessing hypermobility requires a nuanced approach, considering the individual's age and changes in flexibility over time.
Do I Need To Manage This?
A reminder that an individual can be hypermoblie and asymptomatic! Hypermobility itself is NOT inherently harmful; however, when accompanied by symptoms like pain or instability, it warrants further investigation.
If you are experiencing symptoms, we can work together to determine what that means for you.
Dr. Rachel's Role in Managing Hypermobility
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I am equipped to score, diagnose, assess, and treat individuals with hypermobility. Whether you are simply more flexible than average or you suspect a more complex condition like HSD or hEDS, my role is to give you a physical therapy diagnosis and then connect you to a team of specialists in the Portland, OR metro area. Together, we will help you manage your symptoms through personalized treatment plans aimed at improving joint stability, reducing pain, and enhancing your overall quality of life.
Conclusion
Hypermobility is not uncommon, but its implications can vary widely from person to person. Using the Beighton Scoring System to screen yourself can be a helpful initial measure of joint laxity.
If you believe you might be hypermobile, especially if you experience any associated symptoms, seeking a professional diagnosis is a crucial step!
If you're experiencing joint flexibility along with pain or other symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can explore your symptoms, make an accurate diagnosis, and develop a personalized treatment plan. My goal is to help you lead a healthier, more comfortable life.