What Is Double Jointed?

A common misconception about being double jointed is that you have double the amount of joints in your body than normal people. However, this is not an accurate portrayal of what being double jointed is all about.

Identification

• Double jointed means that your joints, ligaments and tendons are more flexible than the average person. It is characterized by an ability to move them in ways that other people would find virtually impossible.

Causes

• Being double jointed is caused by very shallow bone sockets that allow the joint to move in either direction. Essentially, double jointed people are able to dislocate the bone from the socket and put it back again. Moreover, they have ligaments that reach beyond the usual range of extension.

Misconceptions

• Some people believe that being double jointed means one can move with twice the amount of motion in their body. This is a common myth.

Fun Fact

• Some double jointed circus performers have the ability to bend their body from the back to the waist, inserting their head between their legs.

History

• Everyone is essentially double jointed at some point in their lives. Experts point to childhood, where you were likely able to touch the floor with your fingers while keeping your legs perfectly straight.