How to improve mobility
Whether it’s caused by age or injury, decreased mobility is a problem that is likely to affect us all at some point in our lives. In some cases, you may be able to enhance your mobility by doing exercises to improve the state of your muscles and joints. But if you’re struggling with problems that can’t be fixed, you will need to consider equipment that will aid your movement.
In this blog, we look at exactly what mobility is, why it’s so important and what you can do to increase mobility.
What is mobility?
Mobility is a broad term used to describe a person’s ability to get around. Although it primarily focuses on the use of joints and muscles to allow you to move freely and without pain or discomfort, the word mobility is often used when talking about the quality of one’s movement and whether any equipment could improve the ability to move.
Poor mobility is attributed to a number of factors
- with both age and physical condition likely to play a role. However, problems with mobility are often caused by:
- Unsuitable posture or poor alignment- An injury that is currently or wasn’t properly rehabilitated
- Imbalance in muscles
- A feeling of tightness
- Weakness in muscles
Why is mobility important?
The freedom to move without restrictions is something that everyone should have, and as a lack of mobility can harm a person’s quality of life, it’s important that you do all you can to maintain and increase your mobility.
Better mobility means that you’re able to get around easier and move without pain or discomfort. It also decreases the risk of injury and prevents further injuries from occurring or worsening.
How to increase mobility
When it comes to increasing and improving your mobility, the correct solution is likely to be indicated by the cause of the problems you’re having. In many instances, problems with mobility caused by tight muscles, poor posture or an injury can be helped by medical attention and effective physiotherapy. However, if it’s simply a matter of age or something more permanent that can’t necessarily be remedied, it would be more beneficial to identify equipment that will improve your daily mobility.
Mobility equipment is available in many forms, but with the all encompassing aim of improving your general movement. For example, wheelchairs, walking sticks, rollators, walkers and mobility scooters help with moving around outside your home, and reachers, furniture with wheels attached and the installation of bars and supports will help your movement within your home.
As such, the solution to your mobility problems are likely to depend on your own unique requirements. For instance, if you are physically disabled or generally lacking energy or strength, a mobility scooter may help you to get around independently. You could also consider a wheelchair or walking stick if this better suits your needs.
Alternatively, other items would be better suited for helping you to carry out simple tasks in your own home.
Reachers, for example, would make the job of picking up objects that are out of reach in your home easier, sliding tables would reduce the difficulty of moving small pieces of furniture towards and away from you, and mobility furniture such as support cushions and leg rests would help if you need added comfort while sitting down.
