Clinic News

The weather is getting colder and with the season of autumn comes lots of yard work! Raking leaves and preparing the yard for the winter months ahead is hard work and can take a toll on the body. Muscles might begin to protest with the extra work, so it’s important to take care of any aches and pains that the extra strain might cause. Here are a few tips to keep your muscles healthy and happy.

Seasonal work, such as raking leaves can cause soreness in the arms, shoulders, and low back. Taking your time will you to not strain your muscles. Remember not to lift too heavy when using items such as wheelbarrows. Limit your time when working on physically demanding jobs so as to use proper posture; it is always better to take breaks regularly so as not to injure yourself. Stretch after actively using your muscles during your outdoor chores. Your muscles may not be accustom to doing physically demanding work since it is usually seasonal, so stretching can help relieve soreness and tightness in your limbs and back. Lastly, book a massage to help relieve achiness and stiff muscles after activity. Massage is great for muscle recovery as well as preventing injury.

The summer has come to an end and if you are a student, you are heading back to school. Most students either walk or bus with heavy backpacks five days a week. Taking care of your muscles when in school is important to prevent back, neck, and shoulder pain. Carrying a heavy backpack to school every day is just part of student life, but caring for your body seems to be put on the back burner. Back packs can put strain on certain muscles in your chest, neck, core, and shoulders. Certain muscles should be stretched and others strengthened when using a backpack during the school year.

Most students over pack their bags as their heavy workloads and school schedules demand multiple textbooks. Although decreasing the weight of the backpack might not be possible during the school season, there are other ways to help prevent muscle issues. By using a bag that has two straps instead of a one strap bag style that is cross-body, you can prevent shoulder pain and neck pain as the two straps help even out the weight of the bag over the back. Back packs that have a strap around the waist may also help evenly distribute the heavy bag so that the shoulders are not carrying all of weight. Stretching out muscles that are being affected, such as your chest muscles and neck muscles, is also important on a regular basis so that mid back pain and headaches don’t occur.

Massage therapy is another important factor in back and neck health when you are a student. Regular massages help get rid of muscle tightness, decrease headaches, and may also relieve stress that comes with school life. Universities may also have health plans for their students that aid in Massage Therapy coverage. If you are a student and use a backpack on a regular basis, book a massage today! You back and neck muscles will thank you!