Taking a summer vacation is something that many Americans look forward to every year, but did you know there are potential health hazards that come along with it? Sitting and standing for long periods of time, plus lifting heavy luggage can all contribute to potential injuries. In more severe cases, you can develop blood clots causing pulmonary embolism. To help you stay healthy, we are going to give you some physical therapy tips to use during your summer vacation.
Keep good posture
Whenever you’re sitting in a car or on a plane, try to avoid slouching or looking down for a prolonged period of time. Instead, sit tall while lifting your chest and relaxing your shoulders. Also, make sure your seat is in a position that supports your back and neck.
Pack light
It’s normal to want to pack all your favorite items for your long-awaited trip, but traveling light can really help prevent injuries this summer. Lifting and carrying heavy luggage requires awkward twisting movements, which can easily result in knee and back pain. To avoid overpacking, make a list to help you decide which items are necessary for your trip.
Take a break
Sitting in one position for an extended period will do more harm than good to your body. To avoid sprains or more serious injuries like pulmonary embolisms while on a road trip, make regular stops to stretch your legs and back. If you’re flying, walk up and down the aisles a couple times throughout the flight. These are a few simple tips to ensure you stay injury free on your vacation.
Know the symptoms
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) are severe medical conditions that can occur while traveling. Even though developing these conditions is rare, it’s still important that you recognize the signs so you can receive medical help quickly.
DVT: this is most commonly developed in the lower leg. Although it might feel like a cramp at first, if the pain persists and you experience swelling or redness, contact medical professionals immediately.
PE: you might experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, or even coughing up blood. Again, if you notice any of these, contact medical professionals right away.
How physical therapy can help
Whether you have an existing injury that is getting in the way of enjoying your summer vacation, or have returned home with one, physical therapists are licensed to help you. They will recommend a treatment tailored to your unique ailments; manual therapy and muscle stimulation are two of the many options that could help you recover from your injuries. Your physical therapist will consistently monitor your progress until you are fully healed.
For more information on how a physical therapist can help you, contact Core 3 Physical Therapy today!
