Mobility and Flexibility

People tend to confuse two concepts: flexibility and mobility. Although the two are related, they are not synonymous. Flexibility is an intrinsic property of soft tissues (e.g., muscles and ligaments) that determines the range of motion achieved in a joint or group of joints. Simply put, it refers to the ability of these tissues to stretch. Good flexibility allows for a greater range of motion and, therefore, better joint mobility. However, it is important to remember that other factors, such as strength deficits or injuries, can also affect mobility. Mobility can be described as the ability of a joint to perform small and/or wide-range movements in a voluntary and active manner. By developing this ability, a person can achieve greater freedom of movement, which in turn can improve the performance of basic and essential daily functions. On the other hand, mobility impairments can impact functionality and performance. If mobility is compromised, the specific condition and context of each person should be assessed to identify the factors contributing to the limitation, enabling the development of a personalized intervention plan.