Are You Hypermobile?
A hypermobile joint is a joint that moves beyond the typical range of motion.
Hypermobility can show up in just one area (like the jaw) or it can be systemic, affecting the entire body—as seen in many people with EDS or generalized hypermobility. In my Portland clinic, jaw hypermobility is one of the most common patterns I see in patients with TMJ pain.
Common Symptoms of Jaw Hypermobility
Jaw hypermobility often shows up as:
Jaw pain or tenderness
A loud “clunk” or “thud” when opening wide
Difficulty stabilizing the jaw
Episodes of partial dislocation or jaw shifting to one side
Fatigue or tension in the jaw muscles
These symptoms are especially common in people with hypermobility or Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS) here in the Portland area.
How to Know If Your Jaw Is Hypermobile (Easy At-Home Test)
The simplest way to assess your jaw is to measure your maximum opening:
The Finger Test
A quick, informal screen:
3 fingers = approximately 35-45 mm (normal range)
4 fingers or more = often indicates jaw hypermobility
If you can fit your whole fist in your mouth (a fun party trick, but please don’t!), your jaw is likely hypermobile.
If you’re unsure or want a more accurate measurement, I perform this assessment in-office for all TMJ patients in my Portland / Lake Oswego clinic.
Is Hypermobility Just in Your Jaw — or Your Whole Body?
If your jaw is hypermobile, the next step is to determine whether you also have generalized hypermobility. The most common screening tool is the Beighton scale.
A Note About the Beighton Scale
The Beighton scale is useful, but it has limitations:
It only assesses 8 joints.
Many hypermobile people have muscles that are tight or guarded from years of compensating—so they may score lower even though they are hypermobile.
Because of this, I also screen for other clinical indicators of hypermobility during TMJ evaluations.
Additional Signs of Systemic Hypermobility (Common in Portland TMJ Patients)
These patterns help identify whether hypermobility is present throughout the body:
Skin elasticity or softness
Frequent sprains, injuries, or joint instability
Poor proprioception (often showing up as clumsiness or balance issues)
GI concerns (IBS, GERD, constipation)
Dizziness or POTS-like symptoms
Mast Cell Activation symptoms (MCAS)
Chronic fatigue or “crashing” after activity
Many patients who come to me for TMJ pain in Portland discover that jaw instability is connected to their whole-body hypermobility.
A couple of my favorite resources for hyper mobility include the Hypermobility Health Coach and Melissa Koehl, PT
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking, popping, or symptoms that haven’t improved with standard chiropractic or dental care, you may benefit from a hypermobility-informed approach to TMJ treatment.
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