Are you as mobile as you think?

By Dr Carla Cerra

During March, we at Docklands Health will be asking our patients to get more mobile this Mobility Month!

So, what is mobility? Mobility is being able to move with freedom and comfort. Mobility plays a large role in our everyday life and allows us to move in every way. From getting out of bed in the morning to brushing our teeth and performing every other small or large physical task in our day! A restriction in mobility can affect many elements of our lives not only physically but also socially and emotionally.

A recent survey by the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) found that one in 10 Australians claim their pain hindered their ability to play with their children; one in ten indicated impacts on intimate relationships; and one in 20 realised their persistent pain resulted in increased friction with their partner.

With statistics like these, it is important you are staying on top of your mobility and monitor any changes in your strength, balance and flexibility. This Mobility Month, try out these four simple exercises to discover how “mobile” you are:

Head rotation: testing how far and evenly you can turn your neck on each side.

Sitting down, keep your shoulders still and against a chair.

Turn your head all the way to the left as if you were looking over your shoulder. How far around did you get?

Repeat on the right. Was it even? Was it comfortable?

Trunk side bend: testing how far you can run your hand down each side of your body.

Stand with your feet comfortably apart.

Run a hand down the side of your leg so you side bend without leaning backwards or forwards.

Repeat on the other side. Was it even and was it comfortable to do?

Sit to stand: testing the ease at which you can rise from your chair with crossed arms.

Sit in the middle of your chair. Cross your arms over your chest.

Keeping your back straight and arms across your chest ...

Stand straight up and then sit back down. Did you do this easily or was it hard?

Single leg stance: testing how well you balance on each leg.

In a safe environment free of trip hazards, stand upright with feet together and place hands on hips.

Lift one foot off the ground. Do not allow your legs to touch. Time how long you can stand without moving.

Repeat on opposite side. Are you able to stand on each leg for at least 40 seconds? (If under 60 years)

How was your flexibility, strength, and balance? If you find that you are struggling with one of the exercises, not to worry. Our chiropractors and physiotherapist at Docklands Health are here to help. Ask us about getting more mobile this March by contacting us by phone at 9088 3228. Online at docklandshealth.com.au or you can come in and speak to us at Shop 4/860 Collins St Docklands•

For more information on Mobility Month, and to watch the test in action, visit docklandshealth.com.au/mobility-month