During the holidays, injuries can be very common whether you are decorating for the season, hazards around your home, or weather related. With some awareness and safety precautions, some of the injuries can be avoided.
Below are some common holiday related injuries:
• Falling off a ladder during holiday decorations
• Slipping on ice/snow
• Lifting a Christmas tree or carrying heavy boxes
• Stepping on toy/object
• Knee injuries during skiing/snowboarding trips
How can each be avoided:
• Falls can lead to broken bones, pulled muscles, muscle soreness, or concussion. Some safety precautions that can taken could be checking your ladder for broken parts before use. Another could be making sure the ladder is sturdy or having someone else be present during ladder usage.
• Just as above, slipping on ice/snow can also cause similar injuries. Some safety precautions could be checking your surrounds before stepping, slowing down, and making sure the surface is not slippery. Another recommendation is wearing appropriate footwear when it is icy out. By wearing shoes/boots with proper grips on their soles, it would reduce the chance of slippage.
• Lifting a tree or heavy objects improperly can lead to back strains, neck soreness, or a pinched nerve. When picking a heavy object, make sure to lift from your legs in squat like formation then straighten your legs to lift. This method will limit straining your back. Another suggestion is to avoid twisting and turning your upper body while lifting. If possible, find another person to help with the lifting.
• Accidentally stepping on a toy/object can lead to falls, sprained ankles, and torn muscles. This can be avoided by checking your surroundings, being aware where you step, and by organizing objects away.
• Knee injuries can happen while on a skiing/snowboarding trip. Some recommendations if you are a beginner is to wear proper cushiony body equipment and take lessons. Another suggestion is to ski/snowboard the level of slopes you are capable of.
How can a physical therapist help:
• After injury, a physical therapist can help with your recovery whether its lower back pain, sprain muscles, or muscle soreness. Recovery would include re-gaining the injured body part range of motion, improving strength, and getting you back to your functional level. A physical therapist can also help you prepare for holidays with core and body strengthening, improving balance and gait patterns, and providing stretches to reduce muscle tightness. A therapist can educate on fall prevention, proper footwear, and demonstrating appropriate lifting techniques.
The Holidays are approaching- give yourself the injury free holiday season you deserve with these precautions and tips.
Capital Area Physical Therapy & Wellness offers treatment options if you have a slip up during the holidays. Our experienced providers serve the Upstate NY Malta / Saratoga / Glens Falls & Queensbury region with physical therapy services for any twist or turn you have experienced during the season.
Call (518) 289-5242 to schedule an evaluation at any of our locations, or to learn more about the services provided by our physical therapists.
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