Mobility Is The Cornerstone Of Athletic Ability
What is Mobility?
It appears there is a lot more talk of mobility these days and the importance mobility has on overall health and performance. However, there seems to be a great deal of confusion over what mobility really means and how to get it.
Many confuse mobility with flexibility. Flexibility relates to tissue length and pliability, predominantly with regards to muscle. If the hamstrings are tight and inflexible, then the ability to bend forward will be greatly reduced. Stretching and soft tissue work can increase flexibility of the tissue and increase the range of motion, however there is much more to mobility than soft tissue work.
The reason for this is that the tissue, though flexible, may not have developed the strength to support the greater range of motionunder load. It is only “passive” flexibility. In addition, the joints, tendons and ligaments to which the muscles connect may not have the required range of motion or strength to support the body in certain positionsunder load.
Mobility requires both range of motion in the tissues as well as strength. Tissues include muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
MOBILITY = FLEXIBILITY + STRENGTH
Without mobility, the Central Nervous System will not allow the body to move into positions that it deems it is not strong enough to hold or is unsafe. Lack of mobility in these tissues often results in injury.
Increasing mobility into ranges previously unknown requires focused stretching, joint preparation and MOVEMENT under load. It is similar to strength training with progressive increases in load.
Mobility cannot be achieved through the use of a foam roller or lacrosse ball alone. Soft tissue work is similar to massage therapy. It restores tight tissues and makes them more pliable, which allows the muscles to move more freely. Soft tissue work may allow a joint to move more freely as well, but it does not address any weaknesses in the joint. Therefore, range of motion that already existed may be restored, but soft tissue work will not increase true MOBILTY (as defined above).
Useable mobility is obtained through the use of challenging progressions in range of motion in all tissues. It requires regular practice to obtain, just like any other training. It is not always fun, but it is always humbling!
Mobility is the cornerstone to athletic ability. Every athlete, no matter what level, will benefit from improved mobility.
If all the tissues in the body are mobile, movement potential increases. Movement will come more quickly and easily. There will be less stress and wear on the body. Performance will be enhanced. Injuries will be substantially reduced. Quality of life increases.
I can’t think of anyone who would not want that!