Today is the first of three days that I’ll be posting on three great stretches so stay tuned for the next two to come…

Listen, we’re all human right? There’s so much going on at this time of year- for me and my patients- that we all slip up a little. We go away to the Bahamas, and miss physical therapy. We get sick from too much eggnog and miss physical therapy. We go skiing, forget to stretch, aggravate the focus area, and miss physical therapy. The problem is, slip too much, and you have to make up for it in the New Year. January is really and truly the hardest month. Nothing beats coming in for your scheduled appointment, but to help you keep limber while you’re enjoying this fun season, I’m posting three easy stretches over the next couple of days, that you can do wherever you are. All you need is a mat or a towel.

Holiday Stretch #1- Child’s Pose

This is an easy and restful stretch. It’s great not just for loosening up, but also clearing your mind after a night with your bickering family.

Child’s Pose Tip #1- Those of you without shoulder problems can maximize this stretch by reaching your arms out, overhead, palms facing down towards the floor. You should feel it in your lats (the big muscles that run down the side of your back)

Child’s Pose Tip #2- To all those tension holders- remember to breath deeply, and make sure to rest your head and neck down. You should be able to nod your head yes and no.

Tomorrow I will discuss Holiday Stretch #2, “Downward Facing Dog”. Stay tuned!