By Andy Caldow
What is Mobility?
Whether you have already started rehabilitation or waiting to see us, starting a new activity places new demands on your body, especially if your activity levels have been reduced. Regardless of what your goals increasing the amount and quality of movement your body is capable of is one of the most important and yet often overlooked factors in reaching it. Mobility training is what will help you achieve this.
Mobility training is the practice of increasing your capacity to move your body through greater ranges of motion WITH control and WITHOUT pain. Most people can move their body or limb from A to B, but this does not mean it is in moving in a safe and efficient mechanical alignment. If we continue to move in this way we will be more susceptible to injury during exercise or even day-to-day activities.
When talking about mobility training it is important to note that it is NOT just stretching. It is stretching and strengthening at the same time to achieve greater STABILITY of our bodies.
What causes issues with mobility?
Unfortunately, most of us have serious mobility deficiencies. With the increased use of computers, handheld devices and prolonged sitting, it has become a 21st-century problem. This can result in rounded postures, reduced shoulder movement, tight hamstrings, sore necks and backs.
Previous injuries that have not been rehabilitated properly will also have an effect on our mobility. A tell-tale sign is regular reoccurrences or flair up of a previously injured joint.
What can I do about it?
The first thing to consider is to get moving. If you feel that you spend to much time sitting watching TV, at the next Ad break get up and walk to the kitchen and back. If you are unable to walk far, try standing up, have a wriggle in your seat or even better do a few exercises prescribed by our Physios.
If you want more information on this please speak to your Physio. If you are waiting to see us, make a note of how much activity you are doing in the day or any of your joints that feel stiff/restricted.
