The winter trainer
Winter is still a great time for training and there’s plenty of options including: contact sports like rugby, group training like an outdoor boot camp, outdoor running or even on your own in a local gym. Warm up properly and dress appropriately in all cases to avoid injuries such as muscle strains and joint sprains. A common injury we see in clinic is a hamstring strain so make use of some great sports massage or Pilates exercises to help improve flexibility.
The dancer
Office parties are the main playing field for a spot of dancing. Add alcohol or over ambition and there’s a recipe for unusual and sometimes embarrassing injuries. These are commonly sprained ankles, knees and wrists but they can often extend to acute low back or neck pain (think bohemian rhapsody). Often there is no stopping people attending their annual shindig so seek advice and attend to your injuries ASAP. Previous years have seen a 40% increase in alcohol consumption in December, so if you have been drinking there is often a delay in pain perception – be prepared for a sore joint or head in the morning!
The traveller
The holiday period is a time for travelling to see family and loved ones, and for those who are lucky enough a trip to the winter sun. When packing make sure you are lifting your suitcase properly by bending your knees and not your back. If this is difficult then always ask for a little help. If you are sitting for long periods of time, especially long distance driving or long haul flights, then take a break. Pop into a lay by or service station to stretch your legs or pause the film and stand up during your flight.
The online shopper
In 2014 17 million hours were spent online shopping on boxing day either on a phone, tablet or laptop. Thus giving rise to the recent phenomenon of “TECH NECK”. A 60 degree angle from looking down at your phone can add 60lb weight to the neck hence increases in related head, neck and postural pain. Common advice centres around sitting up properly, using a desk top computer with a proper chair set-up and taking breaks as well as exercising and stretching.
The one who has over indulged
Lets face it we have all been there and it is easy to do. Away from work, a chance to rest and the enticement to rich foods! The key here is too make sure you are moving. NICE and NHS guidelines state that exercise and movement help to reduce the chance back pain occurring. So avoid sitting for long periods of time, plan a walk during the day to get some fresh air and try to eat a balanced diet by eating fresh fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water to counteract the chocolate and mulled wine!
bodytonic clinic
Suite 13, First Floor
Dock Offices
Surrey Quays, Canada Water
SE16 2XU
t: 0203 6060 493
w: www.bodytonicclinic.co.uk
With other clinics in Deptford, Stratford and Wapping
