What is Hypomobility and How Does it Affect Performance?
Hypomobility, or reduced flexibility in the body, can manifest in various ways, often characterized by stiffness, limited range of motion, and resistance to movement.
You might experience this when you stoop down to garden or pick up something off of the floor and feel increased sensation in your low back or hips. Or maybe you feel shoulder pain when reaching overhead to grab something off the top shelf in the pantry.
Hypomobility can lead to pain and difficulty doing even the simplest of tasks. In this blog post we are going to go over some common characteristics associated with hypomobility!
Limited Range of Motion: Hypomobility typically results in restrictions in joint movement, leading to difficulties in achieving full range of motion in affected joints or body segments.
Stiffness: Individuals with hypomobility often experience stiffness or tightness in muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues surrounding the affected joints. This stiffness can contribute to discomfort and reduced mobility.
Difficulty Performing Movements: Hypomobility may make it challenging for individuals to perform certain movements or activities that require flexibility and joint mobility. Simple tasks such as bending, reaching, or rotating may be limited or restricted.
Muscle Imbalances: Hypomobility can lead to muscle imbalances, where certain muscles become tight and overactive while opposing muscles become weak and underactive. These imbalances can further exacerbate movement limitations and increase the risk of injury.
Joint Pain or Discomfort: Restricted mobility and stiffness in the joints can result in localized pain or discomfort, especially during movement or prolonged periods of immobility. Over time, this may contribute to chronic joint issues or musculoskeletal conditions.
Impaired Function: Hypomobility may interfere with daily activities and functional movements, affecting overall physical performance and quality of life. Tasks that require flexibility, agility, or coordination may be particularly challenging for individuals with reduced mobility.
Increased Risk of Injury: Limited flexibility and joint mobility can predispose individuals to musculoskeletal injuries, such as strains, sprains, and joint dysfunction. Without adequate mobility, the body may compensate during movements, placing undue stress on tissues and structures.
Poor Posture: Hypomobility can contribute to poor posture, as restricted mobility in certain areas may affect the body's alignment and mechanics. This can lead to biomechanical issues and discomfort, especially in the spine and surrounding musculature.
Overall, hypomobility can have significant implications for physical function, comfort, and overall well-being. Addressing mobility limitations through targeted interventions, such as dry needling, strength training, stretching, mobility exercises, and manual therapy, can help improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and enhance movement efficiency. If you think you might be struggling with issues as a result of hypomobility, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Wildflower Physical Therapy & Wellness for personalized guidance and support.
If you are struggling with illness or injury and would like to get your body moving, schedule a physical therapy appointment with us today! At Wildflower Physical Therapy & Wellness, we can help you to get back to the life you want to live through pain management strategies, activity promotion and exercise. Our Cash Based Physical Therapy model allows us to deliver a highly individualized treatment plan without the fuss of insurance companies. Interested in trying dry needling to support your exercise routine and maximize recovery? Reach out to us today!