Morning Mobility

Contributed by: Marquette Physical Therapy

Do you wake up stiff? Does your back ache in the middle of the day? Do your hips feel tight when you start exercising? Are you in the middle-stage?! Then it might be time to implement a morning mobility routine!

Our bodies are meant to be in motion. Not constantly, but regularly. Motion is Lotion. The human body requires us to maintain mobility, flexibility, and strength to prevent injury or pain. However, culture requires prolonged sitting while slouched at our computers, hours of standing at concerts or games, and sessions of reclining on the couch binging Ted Lasso and Virgin River. Unless we decide to quit our jobs, give up our social lives, and stop binging Netflix (no thanks), we must supplement our bodies with some intentional TLC to prevent issues from arising.

We have lots of different joints in our body that perform specific movements. Each movement has a potential range of motion we are able to achieve. However, when a joint is not taken to the end-range on a consistent basis, our brains “forget” how far we can go. Consequently, we begin to lose range of motion, joint mobility, muscle flexibility, and eventually muscle strength. Performing a consistent mobility routine can prevent this phenomenon.

Thankfully, there are movement experts, like the physical therapists at Marquette PT, who went to school for biomechanics, and can educate y’all with exercises and routines that are the most bang for your buck. The morning mobility routine shown in this video implements full range of most all the major joints. While performing, you might notice some discomfort or unequal mobility from left to right, but that is okay! (Pain is not okay - if so, please call us!) Maintain consistency, and you will notice increased range and decreased stiffness. This will also prevent injuries - how about that!

Dealing with pain or injury? Need help returning to activities you love? You do NOT need a physician’s prescription to see a physical therapist in the state of Kansas and yes, insurance still applies (check if your state has a similar practice law - in some states you still need a physician's prescription to see a PT). Marquette Physical Therapy has two locations - Leawood & De Soto, KS. We treat one-on-one with a focus on manual therapies with specialties in Graston Technique™, Dry Needling, Pelvic Floor, Vestibular/Concussion, golf, and diagnostic ultrasound.

Marquette Physical Therapy Contact Information:

• Find us at: www.marquettept.com

• Call us at 913-484-7632.

• Follow along on Instagram for more info and exercise ideas: https://www.instagram.com/marquettephysicaltherapy/