WISDOM WEDNESDAY'S- How to avoid new injuries and pain overthis festive period?

Our team has been thinking of all the ways in which it's possible to injury yourself over this festive period and we are on a mission to make sure it doesn't happen to you!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

1) Wrapping Presents

"I've hurt my back wrapping presents" is one of the most common things we as practitioners get told over this period. Mostly because, people spend hours (in a last minute effort) hunched over the wrapping paper on the floor, which as you can imagine, your body doesn't like too much!

Our two top tips for wrapping presents, as shown in our photos below:

- set yourself up on your ironing board! They are normally adjustable heights and big enough that you can wrap most presents comfortably without bending your body into awkward positions.

- make a wrapping station at the dining room table! Here you can sit or stand and have plenty of room to set things out without having to twist or lean too much.

2) Don't try and carry all your shopping at once!

All of us are guilty of over- buying at Christmas time, whether that be food or gifts. Don't try and be like the hulk and carry everything at once, take more trips to and from the car or get someone to help you when carrying things.

3) Don't fall asleep in awkward positions

After that big meal or a busy social day it is often tempting to fall asleep on the sofa. We recommend continuing to sleep in your own bed, where possible. Falling asleep in awkward positions can often

lead to stiffness and new pain, particularly in the neck!

But what do I do if I do one of the silly things you spoke about avoiding?

Now that we've discussed a few of the possible ways you can injure yourself the Christmas, what do we recommend you do to help ease any pain you might get?

- Ice is great in the immediate 72 hours after hurting yourself. Ice not only helps with pain but it is a natural anti-inflammatory.

- Movement is key in recovery as it keeps your joints and muscles from stiffening and maintains a steady flow of blood to the injured area. So get out on that Christmas Day walk!

- Sleep is important in allowing the body to recovery sufficiently. So make sure you're getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night for optimal healing.

- Book in to see us at the Optimal Chiropractic & Health Clinic in Churchdown, Gloucestershire. We are open and around during the festive period and are more than happy to help!