March 6, 2013
Comfortable Behind the Wheel
Of all the things we do, driving creates more back and neck aches than almost anything. Here are a few adjustments to make you happier in the driver’s seat.
The seat: If your seat is adjustable, having the front part of the seat slightly lower than the back means optimal
comfort. When
knees are lower than hips, your back will not flatten so easily. If sitting in a soft or low chair hurts your back, having a bucket seat is no better. If your seat is not
adjustable, a seat wedge can make all the difference.
“If I hear one more person tell me to do the clam, I might just scream.” Says my sister Barbara. Barb is an MD in Seattle and she has seen a few PTs over the years. They have all given her “the clam” to eliminate knee and back pain. She has done the clam over and over, but alas, the pain persists and it has stopped Barb in her tracks whenever she tries to run. She has another doctor friend who is hindered by Iliotibial band (ITB) pain while on the bike. He has been told to do the clam, but that’s not working for him either.
If the clam is “the” exercise, why isn’t it working? Click here to find out why the clam isn’t
working . . .
The Best Way to Find Balance: T’ai Chi
The BAD news: Falls are the leading cause of ER visits, hospital admissions, and unintentional deaths for older adults. Fall risk has been identified as an urgent public health risk among active seniors.
The GOOD News: T’ai Chi is a fantastic way to improve
Your mirror: Sit up in your very best posture when you adjust your rear
view mirror. That way, every time you need to check
behind you, you will be reminded to
assume great
posture and
eventually, that good habit will become the new normal.
Your hand
position: “10 and 2 is not the rule.”
Keeping your hands lower on the
steering wheel
decreases the work of your neck
muscles and saves your hands from serious injuries
when airbags
deploy. The new recommendation is 9 and 3, or 4 and 8 clock positions.
Either way you will be safer and more comfortable.
balance and core stability, reduce the fear of falling and generally decrease anxiety. T’ai Chi classes develop a more confident, steadier, sturdier you.
I had the great pleasure to sample Deb’s Tai Chi class at ALTA. I was amazed by how the flowing and gentle movements relaxed my body and allowed me to feel centered and engaged. No grocery lists, no to do lists
running through my brain. I was completely in tune with the movements and with my body. Debbie’s cadence and tone of voice lent to the restorative nature of the exercises. Each new move was challenging but not in that heart pounding/anxiety provoking way. It just challenged me enough to keep me in the moment.
This class is unlike Tai Chi classes elsewhere. The individual postures and sequences you learn will be chosen and tailored to the specific needs of the group. The focus will be on comfort with each posture before adding new movements. Proper breathing and weight-shifting are a part of each class, as well as emphasis on balance. Try this class, you’ll be hooked!
Taught by Debbie Steinman, LPTA, GCFP
Casses Thursday 12-1 p.m. starting April 4th Class size will be limited to five.
