Flexibility and mobility are similar but different and in physical therapy we use both to restore function. This ensures stability with your mobility and increasing flexibility to a necessary length to avoid injury and dysfunction. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is how your muscles react in each movement. Flexibility often involves moving a joint without forcing it or engaging your muscles to move it in a certain way. Mobility is when your muscles engage in deep movement like a squat or cat/cow exercise. Movement is a part of both, but your muscles engaging and putting yourself in certain positions are the difference between the two. Both flexibility and mobility are key for a high-quality life. Being able to be both flexible and mobile reduces stiffness, prevents injuries, and often increases blood flow and movement.