Advanced Physical Therapy & Fitness

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Fall is almost here, and all those colorful leaves we love to look at will soon be on the ground. Unfortunately that means hours of raking leaves which can lead to back pain and other injuries if care is not taken. The Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association provides the following guidelines to reduce the chance of back pain and/or injury:

Move your feet! Don't plant your feet in one spot and then bend and straighten at the waist.

Rake the leaves straight back and move with the rake as you walk backward. Don't twist at the waist!

Take frequent breaks to stand up straight and stop periodically to gently stretch your back, arms, and shoulders.

Divide your work over a period of days. Don't rake your entire yard at one time.

When bagging leaves, squat down (or bend your knees slightly) to pick them up. Don't bend over at the waist without bending your knees.

Although these tips focus on reducing low back pain and injury, the risk of over-stressing the heart and lungs must always be remembered. For more information on proper leaf raking technique, stretching, and general care of the lower back, please contact us here at Advanced Physical Therapy and Fitness at 717-790-9994. Happy Raking!

By the way, October is also National Physical Therapy Month! Trick or Treatment!

Advanced Physical Therapy and Fitness is an outpatient physical therapy practice specializing in care and prevention of orthopedic injuries.
Our focus is on YOU and our mission is to improve your quality of life by:

providing patient, caregiver, community and staff education

As our patient, you can expect care from highly-educated and skilled clinicians who exhibit integrity and professionalism. And you can expect convenience - we have early morning and late afternoon appointments available, and participate with most major insurances. * No physician referral is required.*
Advanced Physical Therapy and Fitness can provide you with an individualized treatment plan to: