What physical therapy should you remember during the holidays?

Seniors may partake in physical therapy on a repetitive schedule while at their assisted living communities. During the holidays, however, these residents might spend time outside of their homes. Physical therapists can take holiday vacations leaving seniors wondering how to follow their PT routine solo. Here are some ways to keep up with your physical therapy whether you travel for the holidays or don’t have access to your regular therapist:

Continue regular PT-recommended exercises

You already know a handful of exercises if you have been attending physical therapy for a while. If you need extra assistance remembering these moves, be sure to tell your PT before the holidays. He or she will create a document chronicling your exercises including images to help you remember. This will also note how many times or how long you should do specific stretches. Follow your regular routine as if you were heading to PT in person to stay on track with your therapy.

Add extra low-impact stretches

Before you leave or the holidays roll around, ask your PT if there are any exercises or stretches that you should add to your repertoire during this season. You may be traveling, for example, which involves a lot of sitting in one position. Your PT can recommend some low-impact stretches to help alleviate the stress of this activity. You may even learn some ways to do PT from the confines of your seat in a car or on an airplane.

Bring along necessary equipment

Some people who have arthritis or other chronic pain issues and attend physical therapy make use of props or equipment. Foam rollers, yoga mats and blocks are all commonly used to make stretching and other exercises easier. If your practice requires props, be sure to bring them along during the holidays. If you forget, ask your friends or family if they have the item you’re looking for. These days just about every household has a few yoga props lying around! You can always turn a stack of books into a yoga block or a bolster pillow into a roller if you’re in a pinch.

Don’t overdo it

Just about everything involving the holidays is different from normal. You may have to carry far more groceries, for example, or hoist up toddler grandkids to say hello. Discuss potential pain triggers like heavy lifting or long periods of standing and sitting with your physical therapist. He or she can recommend ways to partake in these activities more safely. Whether you’re headed traveling, holiday shopping or to the big dinner, make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes. Sometimes it’s truly not worth it to choose fashion over pain. You want to enjoy your entire holiday season, not just one night and then spend the next few days wishing you’d worn different shoes!

Bring your physical therapist’s phone number and email address with you if you’re traveling. He or she may be more reachable by email because of his or her own holiday plans, so ask which one the therapist prefers in case of emergency.