Yonemoto Physical Therapy

Back pain sufferers often say they knew the correct way to lift but didn't follow the method because it was too slow.  Athletes admit their muscles started to feel tight but they kept on playing, thinking it would work itself out.   The following guidelines could help you prevent many injuries from happening.

• LIFTING:  When lifting things from the floor, use the big, strong muscles in your legs instead of the smaller ones in your back.  Bend your knees keeping your back straight without twisting the spine and lift by straightening the knees, thereby getting the power through the legs instead of the back.  Keep the object as close to your body as possible.

• COMPUTER SAVVY: Staying at the computer too long without changing positions is not healthy.  Move every 15-20 minutes.  Take a short standing break or walk around the room. Vary the focusing distance of your eyes to exercise the eye muscles.

• MUSCLE STRAIN: If you feel a strain in your muscles, pay attention.  Listen to your body.  See if a short rest stops the feeling of strain and then move the muscle slowly. You may need to slow the activity, decrease the intensity, or stop it altogether.  Resting at the early stages of injury often leads to quicker recovery.  Use the muscles as you can without any strain.

• COMMON SENSE: To protect yourself from injury, use common sense.  Do things within the safe limit of your abilities.  Don't push it to the limit.  Give yourself a "margin for error."  Pace yourself by allowing for rest periods as needed.  Keep alert to what you are doing and any signals from your body warning you to slow down or stop.  Be sure you get some daily exercise.

Sheila Yonemoto, P.T., says, "Although I work mostly with people with injuries, I would be happier to educate them to stay healthy.  Perhaps physical therapists will someday be more like dentists encouraging people to come in for yearly check-ups for preventative maintenance, rather than doing the repair work we do now."

If you have any questions, please submit them to:
Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE:  626 576 0591
FAX: 626 576 5890

Links:
http://www.yonemoto.com/ - Yonemoto Physical Therapy home page
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/IMT.htm - Integrative Manual Therapy, a Hands-On Approach
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/qigong.htm - Qigong to boost the immune system

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