How to Address Mobility Issues
Whether it's taking a walk around the block or training for a marathon, there's no denying that it feels good to be active. However, if your muscles and joints aren't as limber as they should be and you struggle with mobility, staying active can seem like a pipe dream.
Thankfully, there are many things you can do to improve your mobility and get moving, no matter how old you are.
Who Struggles with Mobility?
Unfortunately, mobility issues are not limited to any particular age group. However, mobility does tend to decrease with age and can decrease your range of motion and overall stability. If left untreated, this can put you at a higher risk for injury and pain.
Those most susceptible to mobility issues include:
Those higher in age
Those who struggle with obesity
Those who have low physical activity
Those who live with chronic illness, such as diabetes or arthritis
Adults who also experience an injury that goes untreated or does not heal properly may also find themselves facing mobility issues.
Why Do Adults Experience Mobility Issues?
The most common reasons adults find themselves struggling with mobility are due to the presence of:
Muscle imbalance, tightness, or weakness
Improper alignment of joints and the spine
Joints rubbing together where cartilage breaks down
These issues can occur in adults who fall under the categories mentioned above and, ultimately, cause them enough pain to experience mobility problems.
Why Mobility Matters?
Besides the fact that staying mobile and active helps improve cardiovascular and overall health, mobility (or lack thereof) has a big effect on how well you can live an independent and healthy life.
Strong muscles and joints can make for increased mobility which can:
Help reduce your chances of falls or injury
Improve independence in completing daily activities, such as climbing stairs and running errands
Increase emotional and mental health since you’ll be able to live your life as you want
Avoid high healthcare costs that can result from an injury due to lack of mobility
Ways to Improve Mobility
The best way to improve mobility is to improve your self-care and strengthen your muscles and joints. This can be done in a number of ways.
Improve Your Diet
Especially if your mobility issues are related to weight, improving your diet can help you lose weight and take some pressure off of your joints. You should also aim to include foods that help with inflammation.
Increase Daily Activity
Even something as simple as a walk around the block or stretching can help strengthen your muscles. As you build muscle and improve your mobility, you can try other exercises such as yoga, aerobics, and strength training. Make sure to always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise plan.
Consider Physical Therapy
If you’ve struggled with chronic mobility problems due to pain or an unaddressed injury, physical therapy can use a number of treatments to improve your mobility and reduce your pain over time.
Look into Pain Management Treatments
In many cases, mobility issues are caused by underlying pain — either pain directly causes immobility or it leads to a decrease in activity which affects your muscles and joints. Treatments, such as stem cell therapy, PRP, and osteopathic medicine, can help address pain to provide you relief and increase your mobility.
Newport Beach Pain Management
At Regenerative Institute of Newport Beach, we provide treatment for all types of pain in all areas of the body. Our approach avoids the use of surgery and medication whenever possible.
You should always explore your least-invasive treatment options first, and we can often help patients achieve the relief they need through more conservative means.
Let us help change your life — contact us today to schedule an appointment.