Lamarco Physical Therapy - Physical Preparation for Decoration

As you may have hopes and aspirations of early preparations, the fact remains that there is a lot of work to do. Not to mention heavy lifting, repeated overhead reaching and lots of bending.

Injuries resulting from overexertion while lifting, pushing and pulling are among the most frequent types of injury in the home. These kinds of injuries, along with accidental slips, trips and falls can result in sprains, strains, hernias and lower back pain. In order to avoid these common injuries, preparation for your tasks and planning for safety is most useful.

Here are some useful tips that may help you complete your chore of Holiday decorating safely and free of injury:

Be sure to warm-up! Holiday decorating forces you to use virtually every muscle in the human body. Warm muscles work more efficiently and are less likely to be injured. Before decorating begins, take 10 minutes to warm-up by walking or marching in place to promote circulation.

Begin with some trunk forward and backward bending, arm circles and gentle leg stretching.

Wearing the appropriate footwear that has sufficient tread allowing you to maintain your grasp to the surface beneath you is best. Sudden slips and loss of balance may lead to severe strains in the lower back and extremities.

Plan ahead and arrange your home or yard properly allowing yourself the room you need to maneuver without having to twist, turn and lift unnecessarily.

Repeated lifting is probably the most frequent maneuver you’ll have to complete so be diligent and use proper mechanics.

When lifting:

• Keep your feet slightly wider

apart than shoulder width for

greater stability and lifting

power.

• Get close to the object you are

lifting, almost straddling it.

• Keep your back straight and

abdominal muscles tight to

keep the spine in correct

alignment. This will minimize

the chance of a hernia.

• Tuck your chin to keep the

neck, head, and spine straight.

• Grip the object with the whole

hand for more lifting power.

• Keep arms and elbows tucked

in for more gripping power.

• Center your body over your

feet for balance and lifting

power.

• Use your legs and lift the object

by straightening them. Using

your leg muscles minimize the

stress on your lower back thus

reducing your risk of injury.

• Lower the load in reverse.

• Get help if the load is too great.

Keep in mind:

• Slide heavy objects or

decoration materials if possible

rather than attempting to lift

and carry them. Pushing the

object is safer than pulling it to

the desired location. Using

rollers and wheelbarrows

can make the job easier yet.

• Storing materials at least 12

inches off the ground whenever

possible minimizes the danger

of overexertion when lifting

from the ground.

• Avoid lifting in a situation

where the body will be twisted.

• Avoid jerking or erratic

motions.

• Never try to catch heavy

falling objects.

Take frequent breaks. Stand up straight and walk around periodically to extend the lower back.

Standing extension exercises will help reverse the excessive forward bending that occurs while working: stand straight and tall, place your hands toward the back of your hips and bend backwards slightly for several seconds. Repeat as often as needed.

When reaching to higher areas throughout the home, getting yourself physically closer to the final resting place of the decoration is preferred. Proper use of a ladder or step stool can minimize risk of injury to your neck, shoulders and back. However, if you choose to use a ladder, be sure to use the proper ladder suited for the job you plan to do.

Additionally, poor physical condition, poor posture, lack of exercise and excessive body weight contribute to the number and severity of sprains and strains. So do your best to take good care of yourself throughout the year.

Prevention of an injury is much easier than repairing one. Listen to your body! Stop if you feel pain and consult your physician if necessary.

James Markwica, MS PT is a New York State Licensed Physical Therapist at LaMarco Physical Therapy, 417 Geyser Road in Ballston Spa. For questions or follow-up, contact James at (518) 587-3256 or online at www.lamarcopt.com.