You're not double-jointed - it's impossible

If you haven't claimed to be double jointed yourself, you've definitely heard someone else say they are. But we're here to break some news to you: there's no such thing as being double-joined.

The idea behind being double-jointed is that some people have two joints in certain places on their bodies that increase flexibility. This just isn't right.

So what’s going on with these flexible folks? What people chalk up to double-jointedness is actually called hypermobility or joint laxity. People with this characteristic can move certain joints farther than most people, and they can do it without preparation or pain. 

While some people with hypermobility are able to stretch farther due to loose ligaments, others get their flexibility from the shape of their bones. Ball-and-socket joints (like hips and shoulders, for example) allow for the largest range of motion. If the socket is a little on the shallow side, the ball part of the joint can twist farther.