Harmeling Physical Therapy Tip of the Month

Tip of the Month: December

Although this has been a “balmy” November, we all know that the snow and ice is just around the corner.
According to statistics, 80% percent of slips and falls are due to snow and ice with more than 50 percent occurring between 6 a.m. and noon.  (https://www.wcfgroup.com/sites/default/files/slips.pdf)

With this in mind, here are a few exercises to improve your balance before those cold winter mornings come along:

EXERCISES SHOULD BE DONE IN A CORNER OR DOORWAY TO ENSURE SAFETY

1.    Stand with one foot in front of the other (heel to toe), hold this position for as long as you can without looking at your feet.  Repeat x10

2.    Slowly march in place bringing your knees as high as they can go. Key is SLOW march. Repeat x30 lifts on each leg

3.    Stand on one leg. Hold as long as you can. Repeat x10.

4.    Fold a bath towel into a large square.  Stand with feet touching and shift weight onto your toes, back to your heels and side to side SLOWLY. Practice this for 3-4 minutes

5.    Walk heel to toe down a hallway, using the walls for support if needed

Have a safe and slip-free winter! 

To find out more about Harmeling Physical Therapy please visit www.harmelingpt.com .  Our Gloucester clinic is located at:
Blackburn Industrial Park
8 Blackburn Center
(978) 283-0888

Sheela Zerilli, DPT