By Aleisha Theisen, PTA and NBC-HWC
The holidays are just around the corner, and the race to find the perfect gift is on! Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself (we support both!), FYZICAL-Forest Grove has you covered with thoughtful, health-focused gift ideas that are practical, relaxing, and even HSA-friendly.
But before you dive into the details of our holiday wellness gift guide, remember that winter wonderlands can quickly become slip-and-slide zones! Stick around until the end of the post for essential tips to keep your footing steady and safe this season.
Holiday Wellness Gift Guide
Our physical therapy clinic at 3838 Pacific Ave S in Forest Grove is well stocked with all kinds of items that make perfect gifts for friends, family, and yourself. Popular ones include:
Foam roller — No home gym is complete without one. You can use this versatile item to relieve sore muscles or facilitate a deeper stretch session. Your PT can give you tips on how to use it for your unique needs.
Vyper 3 Vibrating Roller — Want to take your rolling routine to the next level? This is for you. Its contoured design makes it more comfortable on sensitive muscles and puts less pressure on the spine.
Hypervolt Go 2 — This time of year, thanks to holiday stress and cold weather, sore shoulders and achy backs seem to appear out of thin air. With this portable tool, you can turn cranky muscles into happy, relaxed ones in a flash.
Shiatsu massage pillow with heat — Your neck, shoulders and back will thank you for this warm, soothing tool.
Power Flower salves and massage oil — With ingredients like CBD, vitamin C and essential oils, these can make great stocking stuffers.
Theraband roller — Theraband is known for making high-quality tools that target trigger points and relieve muscle tension. This roller is no exception. Think of it as the perfect sidekick to your foam roller.
Theraband resistance loops — A staple for working out on the road or when you don’t feel like dragging out the dumbbells.
Heat-moldable orthotics — Your feet work hard for you every day. If they are complaining, you may need extra support in your shoes. The nice thing about this type of orthotic is you can adjust it to your unique needs and preferences.
Kinesiology tape — It’s not just for the pros. This tape can help relieve tension and encourage proper muscle activation with everyday activities.
Biofreeze roll-on —Keep one handy in your purse or backpack for those moments when aches and pains sneak up on you.
FYZICAL baseball caps — You’ve worked hard in your physical therapy sessions this year. Celebrate your progress by sporting one of these caps.
As you’re wrapping up your holiday shopping with wellness in mind, don’t forget that winter brings its own challenges. While gifts can warm the heart, staying steady on icy paths ensures your safety and comfort all season long. Let’s shift gears to some essential tips for navigating slippery conditions with confidence.
How to Be Steady on Ice
-Widen your stance. This will increase your base of support, which makes you more stable.
-Take short steps — aka do the “penguin shuffle.”
-Keep your hands free.
-Wear shoes that fit well, especially around the ankles, and make sure they have good treads.
-If it’s dark out, try to park in well-lit areas so you can clearly see the terrain, or use your cell phone flashlight to guide you.
-Take it slow.
-On outdoor stairs, put two feet on each step and hold the railing.
Wishing you a season filled with warmth, wellness, and wonderful memories from all of us at FYZICAL. Happy holidays!
Aleisha Theisen is a physical therapist assistant and a board-certified health and wellness coach.
Disclaimer: This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.