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As individuals age, they may experience more frequent muscle and joint pain, which can cause stiffness and discomfort during simple activities such as bending down to pick up a newspaper. However, contrary to popular belief, the root cause of this pain does not typically originate from the joints or bones. Rather, research from Johns Hopkins Medical School suggests that the muscles and connective tissues surrounding the joints are the primary culprits.

While the friction between bones in joints is generally negligible, flexibility – or the range of motion of a joint – is critical for maintaining mobility. However, it's not just the range of motion that matters. The effort required to flex a joint is also important. Different factors can limit flexibility and ease of movement in various joints and muscles. The bony structure of joints such as the elbow and knee can act as a physical limitation, while the soft tissue – including muscle and connective tissue – can limit motion range in other areas.

When people fail to move their muscles and joints through their full range of motion regularly, they may lose some of their potential, leading to pain and discouraging further use.

Julie Changed status to publish 22 February 2023