Keep the Spring In Your Step This Spring

Natick MA

01 April, 2021

11:40 AM

Description

Chiropractor Dr. Bradley Weiss, Performance Health Center, Offers Advice for Avoiding Pain During Outdoor Activities After a long, physically distanced winter inside, Spring is beckoning us like never before. But spring into action too quickly, and you may be heading for painful injuries, says chiropractor Dr. Bradley (Brad) Weiss, Performance Health Center, Natick. Indeed, the 24 vertebrae and 120 joints in your spine may already be feeling some strain from weight gain and hours on Zoom. A sudden sprint or extended time weeding can send pain blooming through your body. Here are some tips to keep you looking forward to the pleasures of the outdoors in the months ahead, without any lingering aches. Reduce Vulnerability to Rips and Tears Stretch for at least five minutes, and ideally 10 before exercise or physical work. Think “long and strong.” Long muscles are strong muscles. Short/tight muscles tend to be weaker, and more vulnerable to rips and tears. Please be Seated For ground-level activities like gardening, sit on a low stool. This is safer than bending over, which puts half your body weight on your low back. Open your hips, turn out your knees and feet, and lean forward. It may seem unnatural at first, but you’ll appreciate the protective effects. Knee Pads are for More than Hockey If planting seeds has you on your knees for long periods, protect them—and your posture—with pads, a pillow, or other thick, foam-like material. Switch Sides Don’t rake your entire lawn on your dominant side. If you start on your right side, switch to the left after five minutes, and then switch back. This will balance out the physical demand you are putting on your body. Take Periodic Breaks Hydrate, stand up straight, walk and stretch at least once every 20-30 minutes Ice Up If you do get injured, the pain you feel will be from inflammation, and ice is a natural anti-inflammatory. If the pain is acute (new), for the first 24 hours, ice as often as you can—15 minutes on, 15 off, and then repeat. Always put a damp cloth between the ice pack and your skin. This advice does not replace proper medical attention, and if in doubt, always call a trusted medical professional to seed a safe return to warmer weather. About Performance Health Center Founded in 2002 by Dr. Bradley (Brad) Weiss, Performance Health Center is a multifaceted chiropractic healthcare facility in Natick, MA. We meet the health care needs of those who want to perform better in their lives—including active families, home-office workers, athletes and even Grammy-winning musicians. Our chiropractic doctors and staff use natural and state-of-the-art techniques that optimize patients’ health, improve function and decrease/eliminate pain without drugs or surgery. See performancehealthcenter.com.