What is the joint by joint approach?
Firstly, you need to understand that this is NOT a one size fits all approach and no individual is the same. However, it is a great place to start when trying to define the root cause of an injury or niggling ache.
The body is a stack of joints in which each joint has a specified function. The joints alternate their role between either having increased mobility or increased stability.
For example, the ankle joint needs to be quite mobile, and the knee above it needs to be more stable. As we look up the chain it becomes obvious that the hip needs more mobility and the lumbar spine more stability, and the pattern goes on. Below is a quick list of what joints need to be mobile and stable.
Mobile = Ankle
Stable = Knee
Mobile = Hip
Stable= Lumbar Spine (low back)
Mobile = Thoracic Spine (mid back)
Stable = Scapula (shoulder blade)
Mobile = Shoulder
Stable= Cervical Spine (neck)
A loss of function in the either one of these joints will generally result in pain, discomfort or even injury in the joint above or below.
For example, if we lose rotational mobility in our hips the lumbar spine which, is meant to be a stable joint now has to work harder to pick up the slack. Put simply, if the hips don't move as they should the lumbar spine will. Over time, if the stable joint is continually forced to move then it jeopardizes its stability. The lumbar spine will attempt to correct this by creating a 'false stability' by contracting or spasming the surrounding musculature to brace the spine down.
This is when INJURY occurs!
It's rare for a patient to complain of decreased mobility in their hips rather they would complain of pain in their lower back which has been set up due to a lack of mobility in their hips.
So you can continue getting your lower back treated, stretched or foam rolled, but if you haven't acknowledged the hips or even the thoracic spine above then you can bet that the pain will be back before you know it.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask in the comments section
Angelo Campanella