Understanding the relationship between stability and mobility joints

Understanding the differences between mobility and stability joints is essential for preventing injuries, both acute and chronic. If one joint loses mobility it could manifest in another joint, for example stiffness in the hip can result in pain in the lower back as the lower back compensates for the lack of mobility in the hip by moving too much.

Mobile joints allow free movement in multiple directions. Over time without regular physical exercise these joints can begin to decrease in mobility and range of motion resulting in nearby stable joints moving instead which can lead to injuries.

Stable joints control and maintain our natural position, helping to keep the body aligned whilst resisting excessive movement that ensures the integrity of the joint protecting both the nervous system and the skeleton.

Examples of mobility and stability joints:

Thoracic spine = Mobility

Lumbar spine = Stability

Hip = Mobility

Knee = Stability

Ankle = Mobility

Foot = Stability