2/17/26

Let’s clear something up: flexibility and mobility are not the same thing. Flexibility is the extent to which a muscle can be stretched, usually passively. Think of holding a hamstring stretch or pulling your heel to your glute. Mobility is different. Mobility is your body’s ability to actively move and control your joints through a full range of motion. It requires flexibility, as well as strength, stability, and coordination. If I lift your leg and it goes high, that’s flexibility. If you can lift it that high yourself, slowly and with control, without pain or compensation that’s mobility. The same applies to a deep squat: dropping into it passively is flexibility; getting there on your own, staying balanced, and coming back up strong is mobility.

Here’s the problem: You can be flexible and still lack control. When movement isn’t supported by strength and stability, your body compensates. That’s when pain, recurring injuries, and stalled performance show up. At Active Spinal & Sports Care, we focus on more than stretching or quick adjustments. We restore movement, then reinforce it with strength and targeted rehab so it actually lasts. If you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or just want to stay active without pain, mobility may be the missing piece. Stop chasing stretches. Start building a movement that holds up.

- Dr. Galindo