Mobility vs Flexibility

This is an outline from Coach Michelle’s weekly Facebook Live – view the full video here.

Mobility vs Flexibility

  • Two terms often used interchangeably
  • Meanings are very different
  • Implications for the body are very different
  • Being flexible doesn’t mean you have good mobility

Flexibility (Specific)

  • Ability of a muscle to temporarily lengthen
  • Commonly achieved thru stretching…usually static stretching (passive)
  • Matt Booth (PT & Director of Therapeutic Associates SE Boise)
    • Stretching lengthens, reduces tone & can reduce athletic performance when done prior.
  • Doesn’t really address how we use a muscle/joint

Mobility (Global)

  • Ability of a joint to move through full ROM in controlled manner (active)
  • Matt Booth again…
    • Mobility is focused on moving better & controlling that motion.
  • Controlled motion requires…
    • Coordination of all systems
      • Muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, cartilage, bones, neuromuscular
    • Improvements in…
      • Strength of all contributors
      • ROM of all contributors
      • Strength & flexibility working together
  • Strength & flexibility working together 
    • Motor Patterns (technique, technique, technique)
    • A stable base to move from – CORE STABILITY

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Core Stability = Injury Prevention

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