Does Physiotherapy Help Improve Mobility?
When you think of the word ‘mobility’, what comes to mind? If it’s walking, or moving from one place to another, you’re right— but it doesn’t end there. Mobility is also about having the freedom to engage in daily activities, maintain independence, and live life as fully as possible.
When mobility is compromised for any reason, such as illness, injury, or age-related issues, it has the potential to impact your quality of life. This is where physiotherapy steps in.
This article explores how physiotherapy may be able to assist people with their mobility. For personalised advice, contact our team at Muscle Joint Bone today.
What is Mobility, and What Influences It?
Mobility is about walking, running, skipping, and jumping— ways to get us from one place to another. However, it’s also about other planes of motion that we use throughout our days, like bending, twisting, and reaching.
These planes of motion work together with flexibility— the range of motion a joint or muscle has— to help us make smooth, functional movements. Maintaining both mobility and flexibility is crucial for performing those daily tasks like reaching into the top cupboard, looking behind us, and maneuvering our shopping trolleys.
Factors that influence our mobility and flexibility include:
- Age— Our mobility naturally decreases as we age
- Inactivity— An inactive lifestyle may lead to muscle stiffness
- Injuries and overuse— Trauma or repetitive strain may create imbalances in the body that may decrease motion
- Chronic conditions— Such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that tend to restrict movement
- Poor posture— Poor posture over time may cause misalignment which may decrease mobility and flexibility
How Might Physiotherapy Help Improve Mobility?
Physiotherapy focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and addressing physical concerns in an effort to restore optimal functioning and mobility. Physiotherapists tailor treatment plans to each person depending on their unique needs and goals, assisting people in their journeys to regain their ability to move freely.
Physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques, such as:
- Manual therapy— Techniques like joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, and myofascial release may assist in reducing tension, improving joint mobility, and reducing pain
- Exercise therapy— These exercises will be tailored to you, but generally focus on improving mobility, flexibility, and strength by targeting specific areas of stiffness or weakness
- Stretching and range of motion exercises— Stretching aims to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness, while range of motion (ROM) exercises are designed to restore or enhance joint mobility
- Posture correction— Our technology-focused daily lives often cause us to develop poor posture, which may lead to chronic pain and mobility issues
- Balance and gait training— Balance exercises and gait retraining techniques may assist with instability and difficulty walking, potentially helping with coordination, preventing falls, and enhancing overall stability
- Dry needling— Techniques such as dry needling aim to target trigger points and potentially relieve pain and tension
- Lifestyle advice— A physiotherapist may offer advice tailored to your lifestyle, for example, ways to maintain proper movement patterns and incorporate healthy habits into your day
The Potential Benefits of Physiotherapy for Mobility
The benefits of physiotherapy may be long-lasting and extend well beyond any initial relief or recovery. Potential long-term advantages include:
- Reduced risk of future injuries
- Improved physical performance
- Enhanced overall quality of life
- Greater independence
When Should You Consider Physiotherapy for Mobility?
Deciding when to seek physiotherapy for mobility concerns can sometimes be unclear. However, there are certain signs and situations where consulting a physiotherapist might be beneficial:
- Difficulty with Daily Activities: If tasks like climbing stairs, bending, or walking long distances feel challenging or painful, physiotherapy may help address the root cause.
- Recovery from Injury or Surgery: Whether it’s a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or post-surgical rehabilitation, physiotherapy can support a smooth recovery process.
- Chronic Pain or Stiffness: Persistent pain or stiffness in joints or muscles, even without a clear injury, can restrict mobility and may benefit from targeted therapy.
- Age-Related Changes: For older adults experiencing balance issues, reduced flexibility, or general physical decline, physiotherapy may improve mobility and independence.
- Sports and Physical Performance: Athletes or active individuals looking to prevent injuries, recover from overuse, or enhance their physical performance may benefit from physiotherapy.
If any of these situations resonate with you, physiotherapy could be the right step towards regaining your mobility and improving your quality of life.
Say Hello to Your Mobility Goals
With consistent participation in tailored physiotherapy exercises, you may be able to experience the benefits of physiotherapy for mobility for yourself. At Muscle Joint Bone, our aim is to assist people to move freely and regain their mobility. Our team in Epping, Doreen, and Balwyn North use evidence-based techniques to create personalised treatment plans designed just for you.
Interested in trying physiotherapy for mobility? Book your appointment today!