The saying "if you don't use it, you lose it" is commonly referred to when the topic of mobility comes up. Especially with our "seasoned" patients. They want to know if it's true or not, but they already know the answer to their question they just don't want to admit they stopped moving.
The truth about movement and mobility is that the human body is extremely adaptable, yet LOVES homeostasis. I know I'm using big words but stay with me here. Essentially the body loves to maintain its normal day to day self. That's why your body literally fights itself when one tries to lose weight. It doesn't want to give in to the change and the same applies to mobility.
Have you ever tried to do something you haven't done in quite some time like get into a deep squat or sit with your butt on your heels on the ground? What did that feel like? Probably like crap. Your body probably screamed at you to get out of the position or made your knees and ankles achy. And when you did get out of the position you had to "walk it off". That's exactly what we mean by if you don't use it, you lose it.
When we discuss mobility with our patients, yes we will offer sports-specific and demand-specific advice and exercise, however, when considering doing or not doing your mobility and movement work, remember that you are training for SO much more in life. The goal is to educate you and teach you how to be self-sufficient in maintaining your movement and mobility, not to have to come to see us every time you get stiff and achy or hurt.
What we want our patients to understand and something that we preach every single day is that each individual plays the most important role in how much they can move and how well they can move. An object in motion stays in motion, right? Exactly. You can't argue that just because you're 43 you can no longer achieve certain positions. That's not true. There are 90+ year olds running still. You think that excuse of getting older still holds up? No, no it does not.
What needs to happen is for you to understand that doing small things daily and creating a habit of moving and getting into tough positions to maintain and work on your mobility is what will save you in the long run. I'm not asking for 60 minutes of just mobility work. I'm asking for 5-10 minutes daily. That adds up way more over time. Especially if you make it a daily habit for weeks, months, or even years.
Then be sure to schedule your FREE discovery visit on strengthchiro.com to learn more about how we can help you recover from injury and move the best you have in years.
-Dr. Cameron Gholampour
