Functional range of movement is how far you can move a given joint when actively moving the joint and your body yourself.
I know, I know, these days as soon as someone wants to sound legitimate in the movement field, they throw the word “functional” into every second sentence. But in this article I mean it in the clinical sense.
Range of movement
Your ability to touch your toes (or not) demonstrates the range of movement in your hip joints and spine, as well as the length of your hamstrings.
Range of movement can be limited by tight muscles, tight ligaments, or sometimes the shape of the bones that make up the joint.
Functional range of movement
There is a difference between how far a joint can move when you are relaxed, and the joint is being moved for you - by your chiropractor, for example - and how far you can move it yourself.
This second example refers to your “functional” range of movement.
The distinction is important because your ability to effectively use the entire range of your movement can make a big difference to how you move, and could affect things like athletic performance and the chance of future injury.
There have been some studies that show that injury rates fall in a population of people who stretch regularly, but there have also been studies that don’t support this.
I’m NOT saying that if you stretch regularly you will never get injured or feel pain!
There have also been a number of studies that show that regular stretching as a part of an overall exercise program helps recovery from orthopaedic injuries, and is beneficial for anyone over 60.
Want an assessment of your functional range of movement?
Contact us or book an appointment at our clinic in Canberra.