Moms don’t get paid time off to deal with injuries; you owe it to your family to heal as quickly as possible so here are 9 Tips for Moms in Physical Therapy.
You probably have to take your little one along with you to the doctor.
And you certainly don’t have a few private weeks to devote to nursing your body back to health.
However, parenthood is no guarantee against injury.
Here are 9 Tips for Moms in Physical Therapy to get them back in the game.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Table of Contents
Get a Baby Backpack
Does parenthood mean schlepping a giant diaper bag full of everything imaginable over one shoulder?
Doing so can cause that joint to start rolling forward, creating unnatural strain on your spine.
You could start to list to port even when you aren’t carrying anything heavy.
Using the 1-shoulder method also puts undue strain on your bursa, tiny fluid-filled sacs around your joints that cushion impact.
When they become inflamed, it can feel like a nasty bout of arthritis.
The solution? Toss that single-shoulder bag and opt for a backpack.
With the weight distributed evenly between both sides of your body, you’ll stand up straighter and have less pain.
Or Try a New Set of Wheels
Traveling through the airport is a lot less cumbersome if your luggage comes with tires.
The same principle applies to the bags you use every day.
Look for a diaper bag that has wheels.
You might have to go outside the maternity department, investigating briefcases designed for travel.
However, you might appreciate the padded laptop compartment if you often take your baby with you to your co-working spot.
Upgrade Your Office Chair
Repetitive motion injuries can lead to lasting pain.
They result in the longest absences from work compared to other injuries and illnesses.
They can also occur in places other than the assembly line.
A well-fitting office chair allows you to sit with your feet flat on the floor when your knees bend at 90 degrees.
It should offer lumbar support and allow you to roll close enough to your desk to see your screen without straining.
A poorly fitting chair can slow your healing process by forcing you into an unnatural posture.
Walk
Unless your doctor informs you otherwise, you should walk to complement physical therapy.
Doing so elevates your heart rate and helps you control your weight.
Carrying too many extra pounds puts unnecessary strain on your joints, increasing pain and slowing healing.
Walking can also help control your pain levels.
Physical activity releases endorphins, natural opioid-like chemicals in your brain that ease your aches and boost your mood.
Cut Back on the White Stuff
Everything you put in your body affects your healing for better or worse, including food.
White flour and sugar are two of the most inflammatory substances you can eat.
They spike your blood sugar, giving you quick energy — that dissipates in a devastating crash.
You then feel famished, possibly consuming more calories than you ordinarily would.
White flour is particularly problematic because the manufacturing process creates a byproduct called alloxan.
Researchers use this substance to induce diabetes in laboratory animals.
Considering the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in America, it’s wise to steer clear.
Eat More Protein
Your body needs protein to repair muscle tissue, and giving your body enough can act like medicine.
However, this advice doesn’t mean you have to go out and indulge in a T-bone for every meal.
Lean protein is best, although you might want to go easy on the seafood if you have wounds that need healing.
The anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3s might go too far, preventing tissues from knitting.
Poultry is a wise choice, as are lean cuts of beef.
If you practice a vegan lifestyle, nuts, seeds and beans are excellent sources.
And More Fresh Vegetables
Fresh vegetables benefit moms in physical therapy in two ways.
The first is by controlling your weight.
Most of these foods contain relatively few calories per pound, letting you eat as much as you like without packing on joint-compressing pounds.
Fresh veggies and fruits also contain antioxidants and phytonutrients.
These substances benefit human health in various ways, providing many of the building blocks you need for effective healing.
Look at your plate as a clock at meals, filling half of it with plant-based goodness.
Get Plenty of Rest
Your body needs plenty of rest to recover.
However, you might find sleep elusive if you’re normally high-energy and have to cut back on your exercise routine while you heal.
Make your bedroom as conducive to sleep as possible.
Keep electronic devices in another room.
Swap out your phone or glowing neon alarm clock for an old-fashioned windup model — it won’t let you down when the power goes out.
Surround yourself with cozy pillows and soundproof your space as much as possible.
Learn to Ask for Help
As a mom, you’re used to being the person your littles come to for help. You might not be used to asking for assistance.
However, learning to do so could speed your recovery.
Depending on your injury, you might need assistive devices like crutches.
You should get used to them to foster independence while healing.
However, please don’t let pride keep you from letting a kind stranger hold the door for you — especially if you’re laden with groceries.
Tips for Moms in Physical Therapy
Busy moms don’t have the luxury of a month on the disabled list to recover from an injury.
They have to stay on their A-game 24/7.
Following these 9 Tips for Moms in Physical Therapy can help them heal more quickly.
