Whenever an activity involves heavy lifting or repetitive motion, it’s important to take steps to prevent injury. While back pain, carpal tunnel, and sore shoulders are normally associated with work-related injuries, it’s important to note that these issues can also result from working in the kitchen if you’re not careful. With the big feast coming up at the end of the month, here’s a guide to pain-free cooking! MIX IT UP Even if you’re “just” chopping carrots or peeling potatoes, you may be exposing yourself to a repetitive strain injury. Standing for long periods with your shoulders hunched forward is also bad for your back. While it’s always important to keep an eye on your posture, the best way to avoid pain and stiffness is to do a mix of activities in short bursts. If you’re cooking with family, consider swapping jobs every six or seven minutes to give your body a break from the same motions and positions. USE YOUR TOOLS If you are older or suffer from arthritis, this is an especially important point. Ergonomic kitchen utensils PAIN-FREE COOKING
are available to make many cooking tasks, from slicing to stirring, easier to handle. Using oven mitts rather than pot holders also lets you grip hot items with greater confidence and reduces the likelihood of an accident. LIFTING THE TURKEY All right, here’s the big one: One of the easiest ways to hurt your back is to lift a heavy object while simultaneously twisting your torso — the exact thing one might do when trying to take a turkey out of the oven in a single fluid motion. Do not put yourself and the feast at risk. Lift with your legs, straighten all the way up, and then turn to where you want to carve it. No one wants to throw their back out before Black Friday. We hope you have a safe and happy start to the holiday season. If any aches or pains develop as the weather gets colder, feel free to swing by and let our physical therapy experts get you moving again!
“I am happy with Kinetic. When I first came in, I could barely walk with my cane. Today, I walk without a cane. I’m pain-free and 100 percent better than when I walked in the first time to
“I am very thankful for all the care and concern for my well- being throughout this hip replacement rehabilitation. Chris has been very thorough and persistent as he guided me through the process.
Kinetic. I would recommend Kinetic to anyone. Thank you, Emilie. You made a difference in my health.” –Albina Mikec
His good nature has made everything move in a positive direction with encouraging words and even humor at times. Thank you to all the staff at Kinetic. I appreciate the warm atmosphere I felt every time I came here, even when I was late.” –Janice Phillips
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