Stay Safe and Flexible During Hurricane Dorian

Stay Safe During Hurricane Dorian from Imagine Physical Therapy

September may bring the first big hurricane of the season to the Low Country. At Imagine Physical Therapy, whether you visit us in Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, West Ashley or North Charleston we want you to safely brave the weather. Besides following all the guidelines coming from the state and weather centers, here are a few tips to take care of you during the hurricane.

Stretches to Prevent Pain

Stretch! If you have ever been to one of our locations for physical therapy so that you will get better faster so you can stay stronger longer, offering imaginably more than you can ask for, you know we love stretching. Hamstrings, quads, the pec major and upper traps become tight when we are sitting huddled, safe from the rain (or when you are binge watching Netflix).

Hamstrings: To stretch your hamstrings, sit in a kitchen chair with your foot up on a small stool or another chair out in front of you. Sit tall, lean forward and feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Hold for 30 - 60 seconds.

Quads: To stretch your quads when you cannot get in for physical therapy in the low country, stand tall, bend your knee and grab your heel. If that is too difficult, place your foot on a chair behind you. If you want to get your hips in on the action, as we tell our dancers and athletes, bring your hips forward. You should feel a stretch on the front of the thigh. Hold for 30 - 60 seconds.

Pec Major: To stretch your pec major, find a doorway. Place your arms on either side of the door and lean forward in a lunge stance. You should feel the stretch across the top and front of your chest. Hold for 30 - 60 seconds.

Upper Traps: To stretch your upper traps, bring one ear to your shoulder. You should feel a stretch on the opposite side of the neck. To make the stretch more intense, drape your hand over your head. Hold for 30 – 60 seconds.

Rub, Rub, Rub

One of John’s favorite tips to tell people is to “rub, rub, rub.” If you have tingling in the feet, tight muscles in your thighs or pain in your calves, rub them. You can get a “Bubba Rubba” like John has, or opt for a tennis ball against the wall. A tip is to keep your tennis ball in a long sock, so that you can place it along trigger points in your back and it will not bounce away.

Say Safe During The Hurricane

Above any stretching, massage or home exercises we have created for you, we want you to be safe. Protect your animals, parents, kids and all those you love. We are praying for your strong and pain free muscles, as well as for the safety of all those we have been lucky enough to treat at Imagine Physical Therapy.

For all of your physical therapy questions, concerns, or to schedule an appointment, contact our team at Imagine Physical Therapy today!

If you catch us out of the office, just leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible!