Mobility: How To Fix The 3 Most Common Mobility Issues
Mobility: How To Fix The 3 Most Common Mobility Issues
MOBILITY
FIX
HOW TO
FIX THE 3
MOST
COMMON
MOBILITY
ISSUES
BY SCOTT IARDELLA MPT, CSCS
Fitness Mastery, LLC 1 RdellaTraining.com
THE MOBILITY FIX - How To Fix Common Mobility Problems
_______________________________________________________
I. INTRODUCTION
References
___________
Welcome To
THE MOBILITY FIX
(V-1)
Written by
Scott Iardella
MPT, CSCS
Strength Coach | Movement Teacher | Former Clinician
DISCLAIMER
You must get your physician's approval before beginning any part of this
exercise program.
These recommendations are not medical guidelines, but are for educational purposes
only.You must consult your physician prior to starting this program or if you have any
medical condition or injury that contraindicates physical activity.
This program is designed for healthy individuals 18 years and older only.
See your physician before starting any exercise, nutrition, or supplement
program. If you are taking any medications, you must talk to your physician before
starting any exercise program, including The Mobility Fix.
If you experience any lightheadedness, dizziness, or shortness of breath while exercising,
stop the movement and consult a physician.
It is strongly recommended that have a complete physical examination if you
are sedentary, if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, if you are
overweight, or if you are over 30 years old. Please discuss all nutritional changes with
your physician or a registered dietician. If your physician recommends that you not use
The Mobility Fix, please follow your Doctor's orders.
All forms of exercise pose some inherent risks. The editors and publishers advise
readers to take full responsibility for their safety and know their limits. Before practicing
the exercises in this program, be sure that your equipment is well maintained, and do not
take risks beyond your level of experience, aptitude, training and fitness. The exercises
and dietary programs in this program are not intended as a substitute for any exercise
routine or treatment or dietary regimen that may have been prescribed by your
physician. Don't perform any exercise without proper instruction.
I. INTRODUCTION
Honest, question.
Maybe the better question is - do you have sufficient mobility to do what you need?
If you do have it, what are you doing to prevent losing it?
Back in 2013, Dr. Kelly Starrett wrote a revolutionary book titled “Becoming A
Supple Leopard” and it changed the game.
You’re probably familiar with the book and may have even read it. This great book
was essentially about achieving good movement and mobility.
The book and approach shed new light on the current “mobility revolution.”
That’s exactly how this simple guide will help you. It will help you gain mobility
while also attempting to prevent mobility problems from occurring - and doing
that as simply as possible.
I have worked to distill the best information for the 3 most common mobility
problems most of us face.
But, that is not the intent of this guide. In fact, our #1 goal is to keep things simple.
Mobility is a problem for many people, we know that. I’d even say it’s a significant
problem that greatly impairs a person’s ability to perform. Lack of mobility causes
many problems and can perpetuate injury.
While it’s possible you may have appropriate mobility, the lack of mobility surely
becomes more problematic in the aging body. We must do everything we can to
preserve our movement freedom.
While the resource you’re reading could have easily been a comprehensive “book”
on fixing mobility issues, I wanted to provide a streamlined guide that ANY reader
can immediately use and apply.
I wanted to make this a resource you can use immediately (today) to:
Yes, you can absolutely do more mobility work than what is outlined in this guide.
However, this guide follows the rule of performing the “minimal effective dose” to
produce the greatest benefit. Remember that.
Rather that countless drills and correctives, I’m providing just 3 “fixes” for each
joint - or each potential problematic area.
After exhaustive research and practical applications, the “fixes” I share are based
on 2 things: ease of application and effectiveness.
No matter what type of exerciser or athlete you are, I believe the methods and
approach will help you:
• Feel better
• Train better
• Move better
• Improve any mobility issue you may be dealing with
• Prevent joint, muscle, and soft tissue stiffness
• Minimize risk for injury
• Ultimately improve function and performance
Mobility is the optimal range of motion of the joints. Mobility is joint motion.
Flexibility, on the other hand, has to do with muscle and soft tissue extensibility
that allows for full range of motion. Both limited mobility and limited flexibility can
limit range of motion and, ultimately, limit function and performance.
It could be stated that the root cause of many mobility problems comes from a
few things. There are other factors, but these are common reasons for mobility
issues.
1-Static postures
2-Bad positioning
3-Sedentary lifestyle
In addition, mobility restrictions increase in the aging body. While I’m sure this
doesn’t exactly thrill any of us, it is something that happens to most people. The
body ages - and the joints and tissues stiffen.
Ugh.
This is a major reason to have some kind of daily mobility maintenance program.
Possibly, the more simple, the better.
I’ll be honest with you, I am NOT a big fan of spending a lot of time on mobility
exercises - especially when I train.
I want to get to my training session - and train. Maybe you feel the same way.
But, performing basic movement and mobility exercises are key, especially before a
training session to prepare the joints and soft tissues for lifting.
Why?
Well, even if you have good mobility (I’m fortunate that I do, but it doesn’t mean I
shouldn’t address mobility), it will diminish as we age.
There are many consequences of aging, unfortunately. Mobility and joint health are
one of those consequences.
That’s where this guide will help - whether you have good mobility or you need
more of it.
It’s important you understand the common issues before we show you how to fix
them.
This framework was developed by renowned Strength Coach, Mike Boyle and
acclaimed Physical Therapist, Gray Cook. (And, I’m big fans of both!)
While we’re not specifically going to address the important topic of stability in
this guide, the framework serves as an underlying basis for the most common
mobility issues. This is because the ankles, hips, and thoracic spine are all mobile
joints.
The ankles, hips and t-spine all have a tendency to develop stiffness and
could benefit from greater amounts of mobility and flexibility.
The joint-by-joint approach finds that while some joints require more stability,
other joints in our bodies require more mobility.
RESTRICTED ANKLE.
Physical Therapist Gray Cook has called restricted ankle mobility the biggest
epidemic in human movement.
If your foot has limited motion - specifically ankle dorsiflexion, it’s very hard to
perform basic functional movement patterns - such as a squat.
As a matter of fact, one of the most common limitations with the inability to squat
can be attributed to limited dorsiflexion. We all know that a squat is a fundamental
human movement pattern and it’s also required in many functional movements,
exercises, and lifts.
It had been reported that 10 degrees of dorsiflexion is needed just for normal
walking (a normal gait pattern), however, research findings demonstrated a much
larger range is needed (12-22 degrees of dorsiflexion is common during gait) (2).
Yes, dorsiflexion of the foot is vital to normal function, as well as high level athletic
performance.
As you have just read about with the importance of ankle dorsiflexion, normal
range of motion in the hip is not only necessary, but vital to our function and
performance.
One obvious reason is extended sitting periods where we spend most of the day
in a seated position and the hip is flexed.
Tight hip flexors and weak hip extensors (weak glutes) are commonplace in
today’s world.
Not only do our hip flexors get tight, but the adductor muscle groups and hip
rotators are also impacted as well. There’s a lot going on in the hip that can be
consequence of our static postures and prolonged sitting.
Lucky for us, we can address these challenges with mobility work - and, of course,
strength training to improve the overall strength, power, and performance in our
hips.
The thoracic spine (or t-spine) is our next most common mobility issue.
Much like the hip mobility problems, think about the static postures that we are in
every day (ex. the desk jockey) that can be attributed to a sedentary lifestyle.
What’s important to know is that the thoracic spine contributes to many different
motions in spinal and upper body mobility. Primary mobility from the t-spine are
1-rotation, 2-flexion/extension, and then 3-side bending, respectively (1).
When t-spine motion is lost, it can also impact the upper body range of motion to
a large degree (think of overhead range of motion and mobility).
As you see from this chart, the thoracic spine has quite a bit of motion, in all
directions.
What should be noted is that if the t-spine is limited, our overall spinal mobility
will be limited. A locked-up, jacked-up t-spine can pretty much wreak havoc.
Let’s just say that the t-spine is a major part of being supple and mobile.
IN SUMMARY
So, now you know the common mobility issues that most people face.
If you think about this and observe what you see, I’m sure you’d agree that these
are the 3 problem areas that the majority experience in daily life.
- The Ankle
- The Hip
- The Thoracic Spine
Now you know the challenges. The next section will address how to fix them.
Before we get started, I wanted to briefly discuss screens and assessments. How
do we look at our mobility prior to trying to correct or maintain it?
Once again, I want to keep this as simple as possible.You need to understand the
difference between a screen and an assessment.
A screen is a way to gauge risk. It does not diagnose or rationalize why a joint is
limited or doesn’t move well. A screen is the first step. In the case of screening
mobility, a joint (or joints) can get into position or it cannot.
An assessment digs deeper to identify potential findings that are revealed from
the screen. Assessments attempt to further understand why something is limited.
In The Mobility Fix, I am providing a few simple screens for each problem area.
These screens are not diagnostic, but will help you determine if your approach will
be more corrective or more maintenance.
Each way that I’m suggesting you screen each joint is simple, as you will see.
RESTRICTED ANKLE.
MOTION SCREEN
The half-kneeling dorsiflexion test is the best way I’ve found to look at ankle
joint mobility.
This a great way to truly determine if the ankle joint is significantly tight or
restricted with ankle dorsiflexion.
We are NOT diagnosing “why” with any test in this guide, we are only
assessing for position and range of motion.
1. Mark a line on the floor that is 5 inches away from the wall.
2. Remove your shoes so that ankle mobility will not be compromised.
3. Line up the tip of your big toe with the 5 inch line.
4. Keeping your heel firmly down, push the knee forward towards the wall.
5. If your knee touches the wall without the heel coming up, you have sufficient
ankle mobility for functional movements such as the squat. (You can also test
this as 3 inches, as well, but 5 inches is the standard to shoot for).
The Mobility Fix exercises can be used to maintain ankle mobility and prevent ankle
stiffness.
FIX #1
EXECUTION:
- Apply “overpressure” to the top of your knee as you drive the leg forward, this
adds to the mobilization effect
- When you reach “end range” (the point of stretch or joint tightness), hold the
position for 5-10 seconds and release
FIX #2
BODYWEIGHT LUNGE
EXECUTION:
- As you plant your right foot, slowly lower into the lunge position (slow and
controlled) to mobilize the right ankle, keeping the knee tracking over the toes
- The knee will likely move (translate forward) in front of the toes as this will
effectively “mobilize” the ankle joint
FIX #3
EXECUTION:
- Very slowly - rock side-to-side to open the hips and mobilize the ankles into
the dorsiflexed position (this is the “pry” - opening the hips and mobilizing the
ankles)
- Hold your “end-range” position for 5-10 seconds to mobilize the ankle
- Perform 5-10 reps per side
MOTION SCREEN
There are many ways to look at hip joint freedom and mobility.
Keep in mind, there are also many structures that can be restricted, although tight
hip flexors and adductors are very common (as previously mentioned).
To quickly screen the hip, I’ll share 2 quick things you can do.
The easiest thing to assess the hip for overall movement and mobility is the
bodyweight squat.
Do the hip joints have sufficient mobility to achieve full squat depth?
Now, there are individual structural variances which can actually limit the ability to
squat. With that said, the bodyweight squat can still be quick way to screen for
movement range of motion and “feel” for hip mobility.
I also like to quickly look at hip flexor tightness with The Thomas Test (which I am
not covering in detail in this guide).
To see how to use THE THOMAS TEST, here’s a SHORT VIDEO REVIEW.
FIX #1
EXECUTION:
- (*Note: Avoid “hyperextension” of the lumbar spine when driving forward, stay
tall and upright in the spine)
FIX #2
FLEX/ADD/ER MOBILIZATION
*This one can be challenging if you have immobility and restrictions in the hips.
The difference from the previous exercise is that this adds a fantastic new
component to the opposite hip - by stretching the adductors and hip rotators.
EXECUTION:
- Perform the same steps as outlined in Mobility Fix #1(Assume left leg is
forward)
- Lean forward to position the left arm under the back of leg, hand positioned
flat on the floor
- When in position, use your left arm to gently PUSH OUT on the inner left
thigh to open the left hip (this “gaps” the hip and stretches the adductors and
rotators)
- When you get into the final position, you can “mobilize” by gently rocking in
and out of end range position OR you can hold the end-range position for 5-10
seconds
FIX #3
SUPINE ER STRETCH
EXECUTION:
Just note what you see. What stands out to you, if anything?
Another quick way to screen (remember, I’m keeping this simple for you) is to sit
on the ground with your legs crossed and your back flat against the wall.
Bring your arms out to 90 degrees on the side with your elbows bent to 90.
Then raise your arms up over your head bringing your hands together while you
slide your arms fully overhead, keeping your upper back against the wall.
FIX #1:
THE CAT-CAMEL
EXECUTION:
- Hold each position ~5-10 seconds and transition slowly between the the 2
positions - again returning to neutral between transitions
FIX #2
This is literally one of my favorites and it’s hard not to love this exercise. So
simple, yet so effective for our body. That’s why it’s here.
- Take the quadruped position on the hands and knees (feet are in the plantar
flexed - or pointed down - position)
FIX #3:
EXECUTION:
- Assume a kneeling position, with the hips open and 90/90 (see picture, kneeling
on the left knee)
- With your left arm, reach through the back of your right leg - your upper back
is flexed or rounded as your reach through with your arm (keep the hand
relaxed and palm side up as you reach all the way through)
- Once in this position, slowly transition by bringing your left arm up reaching
towards the sky - look up and follow your hand as you extend the arm upward
While it’s beyond the scope of this guide, I strongly believe there’s one exercise
and movement that can help to address all the mobility issues that have been
covered in The Mobility Fix.
It’s a fascinating and precise movement that can be incorporated into any program
for any athlete or fitness enthusiast.
Remember in the beginning when I said the idea was to keep things simple?
- Pick the potential BEST fix for you from each area (ankle, hip, t-spine)
- That’s your mobility fix program (3 exercises)
- Follow the rep schemes and guidelines (as mentioned for each exercise)
- Implement the program daily (if using on a training day, do them before - or
after - your session. Personally, I think this usually comes down to preference.)
- Re-screen in a month and see the difference
NOW WHAT?
The Mobility Fix was designed as a simple system to help restore mobility issues
and help to reduce common mobility issues from developing.
Once you find what works best for you, incorporate your own “Mobility Fix” into
your training.
You don’t need to spend excessive time on mobility work. As a matter of fact, less
is more - do only what’s necessary.
Use The Mobility Fix daily to make movement and mobility a daily practice.
Notice how you feel, notice how you move, and notice how you perform.
-Scott
Creator of Rdella Training
Helping people discover their true strength
________________
To learn about the LATEST course offers and trainings for strength,
mobility, peak performance and more, CLICK HERE.
After performing “the mobility fix”, begin general warm-up, as usual, prior
to the training session.
References:
2. J. Weir, Ankle joint dorsiflexion: Assessment of true values during normal gait. IJTR, 2007,Vol. 14,
No. 2
Scott is a passionate strength coach and lifter who has many unique experiences through
the years, including overcoming a catastrophic back injury and treating numerous
orthopedic patients and athletes as a former clinician. He’s been involved in the health,
fitness, and medical industries for over 3 decades in many different roles.
Scott holds a bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the
University of Maryland at Baltimore. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist,
certified kettlebell instructor, certified weightlifting coach, and holds many other highly
respected credentials.
Scott is the creator of RdellaTraining.com, where the mission is help people all over the
world discover their true strength. He teaches strength, performance, and injury
prevention methods for long-term health and performance. He's also the host of “The
Rdella Training Podcast,” a leading weekly fitness podcast in Apple Podcasts where he
interviews the most brilliant minds in the industry. Finally, he is the author of the print
book, The Edge of Strength.
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