As a physical therapist, I’m frequently asked by patients about some of the items I’d recommend, such as pillows for neck support, shoes for aching feet, and how to release tight muscles at home. Well, cue Julie Andrews, because These Are a Few of My Favorite Things…
- First, sleeping is of utmost importance for a number of reasons. I’ve had so many patients say that they’ve inadvertently filled their closets with expensive pillows of all shapes, sizes and fillings. How frustrating! This is when I recommend the McKenzie cervical neck roll. It’s inexpensive ($25 on amazon), it works with your own pillow (a flat pillow works best), and it keeps its shape to give your neck the support it needs. Neck Pillow: https://www.optp.com/The-Original-McKenzie-Cervical-Roll?gclid=CjwKCAjwxOymBhAFEiwAnodBLHG-RtyuaEwSmedjdl1RzUOCvh6B8TEI4E8G54cm7yMT3-ZDXZIYgxoCCKkQAvD_BwE
- Once you’ve gotten your beauty rest, the next thing to focus on are those sore tired feet. For those of us that stand all day, finding comfortable, supportive shoes that are also stylish is liking finding a unicorn! Enter Vionics! I personally have the flip flops and the ballet flats and am able to walk and stand all day at work without foot or knee pain. Shoes: https://www.vionicshoes.com/
- Now that you’re well rested and have found your dancing shoes, let’s loosen up the rest of the body. There are so many products right now aimed at releasing tight muscles. One of the latest products that has become popular is the theragun, but this runs upwards of $250! In my opinion, it’s not worth the cost. Why would punching your muscles relax them? I’m perplexed. But no judgment if you have one and find it beneficial. We’re all different. For those of you who are looking for a less expensive treatment option, check out foam rollers, a theracane and a good old tennis or lacrosse ball. These are great for releasing those tough to reach trigger points and can be purchased almost anywhere for less than $40! Products for Releasing Tight Muscles: Amazon Basics High-Density Round Foam Roller for Exercise, Massage, Muscle Recovery; Thera Cane Massager (Blue), Proudly Made in The USA Since 1988; THERABAND Roller Massager +, Muscle Roller Stick for Self-Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue Massage Rolling Pin, Trigger Point Release, Muscle Soreness
- My final faves are for my women with pelvic floor issues such as incontinence and pelvic pain. You know that if you start to Google products to help your pelvic floor, you’ll be bombarded with things you don’t want to see and certainly aren’t safe to view at work! That’s why I like this site and these products so much. The products were developed by a pelvic floor physical therapist who provides instructional videos on how to properly use them and why. The items also arrive in discreet packaging so it could be a pelvic wand or those cat coasters you ordered sitting on your porch. No one will know! Pelvic Floor Products: https://www.intimaterose.com/
