We understand that some people want to find out a bit more about the cost and availability before they book a Physical Therapy appointment. If you want to know what it costs- and what availability we have at our physical therapy clinic in Montross, then please just click the button below and complete the short form:
3 Must-Have Tips When Decorating Your Tree & Taking It Down After The Holidays
By: Dr. Morgan Sadler
12/22/23
Remember that last Christmas when you "threw your back out" by taking out that huge Christmas tree? Or even moving the tiniest ornaments and only losing a few hours of sleep the next night, but also having to double up your Tylenol for a few days as well... Unfortunately, many folks have been in these scenarios during the holidays.
It does affect the holidays, and the bad news is that the intense "rebound" pain that comes about after something like this can last for some time. But the good news is that a few small tweaks that can be made in this scenario can prevent ALL of these bad things we just spoke of. So, with that said, let's dig into my 3 tips to get you through the holidays with ZERO back/sciatic pain.
The first strategy is to keep your chest up constantly while decorating the tree, moving ornaments, or any other sort of holiday activity. This will double the strength of the lower back. When the chest is lifted it produces a wave in the spine that extends the lower back, locks it in place, and improves strength.
Our second strategy is to avoid prolonged positions. Dr. Sisson and I would recommend any person to get up and move around every 30 minutes. This will be tough at first, but once you develop a habit of getting up for just a few minutes very frequently during the day you'll thank us! Even if you’re in the worst position imaginable for the back (which is very likely with Christmas activities...), you'll alter the stress and have injury risk shot down greatly.
My third and final strategy is to stick with the old "lift with your knee's advice." This does work and reduces stress on the back. But I’m going to add in a little extra advice on top of that. Advice that helps anyone avoid the #1 mistake folks make with that.
When lifting with the knees, you want to still sit back with your hips as you lift with your knees. If you push your knees extremely far forward, that increases the stress to these joints and can be counterproductive.
That’s it! Try those three strategies and you'll be sure to ensure the holidays with zero back pain. Happy Holidays!
The pain was so excruciating in my heel I was seriously worried about being able to continue work at the post office.
My physician gave me stretches and massage exercises that didn’t help, and he told me I would probably require surgery for my foot in a few weeks.
I went to this clinic and after one session my pain disappeared! We found my pain was actually coming from my back, and that surgery would have been a waste of money and time.
I feel great now, and even better I didn’t have to do surgery!
Sheila C., Montross
I’ve tried all kinds of shoes; I’ve spent so much money on that stuff. I went to a chiropractor a few times and even did physical therapy once with not much improvement.My back and legs still feel bad. And now I feel like an old lady when I walk. Even my granddaughter holds on tight to me, because she thinks I’m going to fall.Since I’ve been here the sciatica in both legs is completely gone. I can also sit as long as I like, stay independent, and not feel stiff when I get up from a chair!
Ella C., Warsaw
The biggest problem I was having was in the morning. First thing, my back hurt so bad I couldn’t even stand up. I had to sit for 30 minutes before I could even move. I was really scared to move around in the morning, it had a huge negative effect on my life.
I use my exercise and lumbar roll now, and I have zero issues in the morning when getting up. I can now walk down the hall and actually get my coffee pain free. My back feels great, and it’s been a tremendous help for me.
Alleyne D., Colonial Beach
