Joint mobility refers to the ability of the joints to move through a full range of motion.  Often this can be confused with flexibility where the limbs and the muscles attached to it have its range of motion increased.

As we begin to age, our joints to become tend to increase in stiffness and decrease in flexibility.  This can lead to a decrease in the ability to perform everyday task such as bending down and picking objects up and reaching overhead.

This can lead to the muscles overcompensating to make up for the decrease in joint mobility leading to muscle imbalances, and pain.

The key joints that are important in joint mobility include the ankles, hips, upper back, shoulders, neck, and wrists.  Ankle mobility assist in providing balance and stability when walking, running, and jumping.  Hip mobility is responsible for allowing you to perform squatting movements.

Upper back mobility is important for maintaining good posture.  The shoulder mobility allows the body to perform upper body exercises such as push ups and pull ups.  Neck mobility allows the neck to move forward and backwards, and side to side.  Wrist mobility allows the hands to pick up objects.

The way to improve joint mobility is to first, perform movements to loosen the joint, second, massage the muscles surrounding the joint, third stretch out the muscles, ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint.

Making joint mobility an important part of your rehabilitation program can improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of pain.

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