When it comes to injuries caused by age and exertion, lack of flexibility is often a significant factor. There are several basic stretching exercises like those physical therapists use that can help most people limber up. Improving your flexibility even slightly goes a long way to help you stay healthy and active. Here’s how to do it.

How Can You Test Your Flexibility?

1. Spine

Lack of flexibility in the spine can lead to back pain, especially as you age, which can seriously impact your quality of life. To test your spine’s flexibility, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Slowly lean forward and try to touch your toes. If you can’t get your fingertips within a few inches of your toes, your spine may lack flexibility. To improve, practice this same pose for 15 minutes each day. 

2. Ankles

Your ankles bear the full weight of your body with every step you take. Without flexibility in this joint, you risk an injury that could require the attention of a physical therapist. To test your ankles, sit in a chair. Place your heels flat with toes touching a wall in front of you. Move your bottom slowly forward until your knees touch the wall. If you have to raise your heel to get there, your ankles could be more flexible. 

3. Shoulders

Without adequate shoulder flexibility, you may have a limited range of motion, as well as neck and upper back problems. To test your shoulders, raise an arm straight over your head. Bend your elbow and place your palm on the back of your neck with fingers pointed downward. Then put your other hand palm-up behind your back. Begin sliding your hands closer to each other. See how close they can get. If they can’t reach within several inches of one another, you may have a deficit in shoulder flexibility. To improve it, practice holding your arms across your body in front of you while pushing your shoulder blades back. 

Proper exercise and stretching is critical to remain pain-free and active. If you’re experiencing problems with mobility or discomfort, the experts at Realhab, Inc. in Parrish, FL, can help. Their physical therapists practice cutting-edge rehabilitation programs and treatments designed to improve everything from pain and stiffness to flexibility and degenerative impairments. Call (941) 776-5585 for an appointment or visit their website to learn more.