In colloquial speech, ‘mobility’ and ‘flexibility’ are often used interchangeably. The two can be related, but there are important differences. We need both flexibility and mobility for healthy movement.

Let’s start with some definitions: flexibility is our ability to lengthen a muscle, mobility is how much motion we’re capable of. Mobility can describe a range of factors that affect range of motion around a joint. One of these components is flexibility – it’s hard to move a joint if the connected muscles can’t stretch allow the movement. Other factors of mobility include strength, soft tissue damage, and problems with other joints in the same chain of movement. Working on flexibility may help a joint achieve greater range of motion, but in some circumstances it might not help very much if other factors are at play.

Mobility in Daily Life

Mobility and flexibility affect your joint health in everyday life, as well as any athletic or leisure pursuits. This is especially important to keep in mind when exercising or performing athletic activities because the body will compensate for lack of mobility in one area by overdoing it other ways. This can lead to chronic pain and injuries. For example, many basketball players end up with knee pain after limiting their ankle mobility with high-top sneakers. Because the ankle can’t move, work, and absorb shock like it should, the knee ends up compensating.

How to Improve Mobility

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to increasing mobility. Different people will need different things. In general, people who have naturally tighter tissues will benefit from a higher percentage of stretching in their movement routine, while those who are naturally more flexible may gain range of motion by increasing strength. Ask your chiropractor what mobility drills or exercises they would recommend for your unique body and needs!