The Science Behind Flexibility: Understanding Your Body's Potential

Flexibility, often associated with images of yogis twisting into pretzel-like poses or athletes bending effortlessly, is critical to physical health and wellness. It's not just about achieving impressive stretches; it's a vital component of our daily lives, influencing how we move, our susceptibility to injuries, and our overall physical capabilities. We love helping our clients at EW Motion Therapy increase flexibility, whether they are a gymnast or a grandmother wanting to join her grandkids in their favorite activities. Even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, you can still read on as we dive into the science behind flexibility, understand the factors influencing it, and explore ways to enhance it, including the role of physical therapy. 

What determines flexibility?

1. Muscle elasticity and length: If you have longer muscles, or your muscles can stretch further, you are likely more flexible.
2. Joint structure: Some joints may be more flexible depending on the joint and its integrity.
3. Age and gender: Women are more flexible than men due to hormone differences and muscle/tendon distribution.
4. Activity level and training: If you are a more active person and incorporate more stretching into your routine, you can increase your flexibility over time.
5. Temperature: If your natural body temperature is higher, you may be more flexible since heat expands muscles.
6. Genetics: Some people are more genetically predisposed to flexibility than others.
7. Health conditions: Some conditions like arthritis or muscle injury can cause more flexibility as a result.
8. Body proportions and composition: The length of limbs, the ratio of muscle to fat in your body, and your connective tissue can determine how flexible you are. People with healthy, elastic connective tissue can stretch their muscles further without discomfort.
9. Neuromuscular coordination: Coordinating movement and allowing muscles to relax can help improve flexibility.

Improving flexibility: effective strategies

Enhancing flexibility is not just for athletes or dancers; it's essential for everyone. Improved flexibility can lead to better posture, reduced risk of injuries, and increased physical performance.

Regular stretching

Incorporating regular stretching exercises into your routine is key. Stretching helps to lengthen muscles and increase the range of motion in joints. There are various forms of stretching, such as static, dynamic, and PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation), each with its specific benefits. Here are a few stretching tips. 

1. Consistent practice of stretching: Ideally, you should be stretching daily or at least several times a week.
2. Warm up before stretching: A warmed-up muscle stretches easier. For example, try walking or jogging 10 minutes before stretching.
3. Balanced diet and hydration: Healthy foods and plenty of water are essential for muscle health - healthy muscles are flexible muscles.
4. Massage therapy and foam rollers: These can help care for your muscles in between workouts and promote recovery.
5. Strength training: This is one of the most important things you can do to improve your flexibility. It helps balance the body and improve muscle function, which can help with flexibility.

Incorporating yoga and Pilates

Yoga and Pilates are excellent for improving flexibility. These practices focus on core strength, controlled movements, breathing, and stretching, which can enhance muscle elasticity and joint mobility.

Physical therapy's role in enhancing flexibility

Physical therapy is pivotal in improving flexibility, especially for individuals recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic conditions that limit movement.

Tailored flexibility exercises

Physical therapists can design customized treatment programs suited to individual needs and limitations. These programs often include specific stretches and exercises that target areas requiring improvement. If one of your goals is to improve flexibility, you can discuss that with your physical therapist, and they will incorporate exercises and treatment interventions accordingly.

Addressing underlying issues

Physical therapists delve deeper into the reasons behind limited flexibility, such as muscle imbalances, joint restrictions, or poor posture. By addressing these underlying issues, they can help improve flexibility more effectively.

Injury prevention and recovery

Physical therapists are experts in injury prevention and recovery. They can guide patients on improving flexibility without causing injury, an essential aspect for those less naturally flexible.

Understanding the science behind flexibility helps in setting realistic expectations and goals. Whether you're naturally flexible or working towards improving your flexibility, remember that it's a journey unique to each individual. With the right approach, including regular stretching, yoga, Pilates, and possibly the guidance of a physical therapist, you can enhance your flexibility, leading to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Flexibility is a complex trait influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and physical conditioning. While some may have a natural advantage, everyone can work towards improving their flexibility. Physical therapy offers a tailored and safe approach, particularly beneficial for those facing greater challenges in achieving flexibility. We love helping our clients do this every day at EW Motion Therapy, because every step toward improved flexibility is a step toward better health and well-being. If you want to learn more about how physical therapy can help you pursue overall wellness, click the button below to download our answers to 20 frequently asked questions.