Physical Therapy check up before the New Year

The unfortunate side of aging is that more issues occur as more time passes. You may suddenly wake up with new aches in your knees or back or you may be experiencing a slow escalation of pain over time.

Pain doesn’t have to be a necessary daily occurrence. If you noticed you were developing more ankle pain episodes, lower back pain, or wrist pain over the past year, something you are doing may be causing these painful moments to increase. Rather than letting the pain continue to escalate, it is best to nip it in the butt early!

Take the time to listen to your body as you go about your daily activities and take note if you are having difficulties using the stairs, getting out of bed, or performing other normal activities. Jot down what causes you discomfort, the locations of your pain, and any other pertinent information.

It is best to bring this information to a physical therapist. Your physical therapist will be able to diagnose the root cause of the problem and provide you with an action plan for reducing pain and deterioration by showing you proper motioning techniques.

It is extremely important that when you begin to have pain that you take action. Certain repetitive movements can cause joint issues and could lead to painful and expensive surgery if left to deteriorate.

We only get one body and we need to take care of what we have. The new year is the perfect time to reflect and take the time to give our body what it needs to thrive in the aging process. Start off 2016 right and you will have a new spring in your step come next year!

Lake Country Physical Therapy & Sportscare PC offers the very best physical therapy in Ontario County. We treat all your wants and needs with our trusted and experienced Physical Therapists and staff. To begin to feel pain and stress free, start your Physical Therapy journey today and schedule your evaluation by calling (585) 396-1400.

Proper Shoveling Technique

The cold weather is approaching rapidly, and if there is one thing that native New Yorkers have to prepare for, it is snow. The idea of snow and the reality of snow are two separate entities entirely—snow is a beautiful thought, but in reality it can be a real pain to deal with. Knowing the techniques of how to shovel snow properly is essential to surviving this winter.

The chore of shoveling snow is usually at the forefront of many people’s minds when they think of the winter season. The first step in preparing for the snow is to purchase the right shovel, and many people may think that buying the biggest shovel would be ideal. Although shovels with a larger scoop are able to hold more snow, it makes it harder to lift and can result in back, shoulder, and neck damage. The shovel should be moderate in size and made from a durable, yet lightweight, material. The most ergonomic kind of shovels have Z-shaped shafts because they reduce the amount of bending over involved in scooping snow and thus produce less pressure on the lower back.

There are some tips and tricks to improve the way snow is shoveled if purchasing an ergonomically idea is out of your price range. Stretching the muscles can help prepare a shoveler in case there is snow that needs to be lifted and walking closer to the snow instead of trying to reach the snow with the shovel can reduce the strain of your muscles. Although many people are accustomed to lifting the snow and throwing it to the side with the shovel, it is actually easier to push the snow out of the way whenever possible.  If you must lift the snow, however, it is strongly recommended to bend at the knees with a straight back.  

It is always important to remember to stay as safe as possible in harsh winter conditions and following these techniques can help ensure an easier shoveling experience.

Lake Country Physical Therapy & Sportscare PC offers the very best physical therapy in Ontario County. We treat all your wants and needs with our trusted and experienced Physical Therapists and staff. To begin to feel pain and stress free, start your Physical Therapy journey today and schedule your evaluation by calling (585) 396-1400.

Managing Holiday Stress

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration with friends and family, but it is also the time of year when stress, anxiety, and depression are at its highest. It is the time of year when not a day goes by without planning parties, trying to beat the crowds at the mall, or cooking enough food to feed an entire extended family. There are some stress management techniques, however, that will help you keep your sanity and maybe even enjoy the holidays a little more.

The most important part of stress management is also the easiest—breathing. It may be difficult to find the time to relax and take a needed break, but you will find the time will be better spent if you aren’t constantly in rush mode. Find a chance to sit down, even if it is for ten minutes, and practice heavy breathing exercises if needed. Sometimes a little breather is all it takes to push through.

Family drama can be a major stressor and can take its toll on everyone. It is much easier to set aside your differences and problems for a couple of weeks than to have it escalate into something much bigger. Remember, a friend or family may be on edge because they are feeling the same anxiety or stress as you.

Money can also be a cause of stress or anxiety. The easiest way to avoid a financial crisis is to budget your gift and shopping spending correctly. While it may seem like common sense, gifts can start to add up if you are not keeping track. A good tip is to make a list of everyone you are buying for and to put a cap on how much you are willing to spend.

Don’t forget to exercise! We all tend to overeat and maybe drink a little bit too much during the holidays, and you may feel the urge to skip a few days at the gym, but research has shown that even just 20 minutes a day of exercise can reduce stress and depression.

The holidays are a great time of year to spend with friends and family, but all the planning and shopping can get a little chaotic and stressful. If you stick to healthy habits, though, you will be able to manage that stress and maybe even enjoy the holidays a little bit.

Lake Country Physical Therapy & Sportscare PC offers the very best physical therapy in Ontario County. We treat all your wants and needs with our trusted and experienced Physical Therapists and staff. To begin to feel pain and stress free, start your Physical Therapy journey today and schedule your evaluation by calling (585) 396-1400.