Planning ahead for holiday success

It’s that time of year again! Whether you’ll be shuttling between relatives’ homes, using the time away from work to check off some bucket list adventures, or hosting the chaos yourself, it’s safe to say your typical routine is going to be impacted.

We firmly believe that consistency and load management are two pillars of a successful plan- don’t let your goals get stuck on the sidelines this holiday season! Below, we’ve outlined how to approach the coming weeks to set yourself up for success:

1-2 Weeks Prior:

Check in with your clinician.

• Plan to discuss your current presentation. Understanding the why behind your exercises helps to increase compliance.

• Share details and goals of your travel- how long of a flight or drive do you have? What are your plans once you arrive? Your clinician can help identify strategies to decrease flare ups.

• Update your circuit to reflect just the priorities. Be realistic about the amount of time you can dedicate while out of your normal routine, and highlight what exercises are critical to your continued progress.

• If you won’t have consistent internet access, ask for a PDF copy of your circuit!

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3-5 Days Prior:

Confirm what you’ll have access to.

• Verify with your hotel if they have an on-site gym and what equipment they have.

• Double check with family members or hosts if they have any home equipment.

• Research local gyms. Consider purchasing a day pass if you need more robust equipment based on your plan.

• Check the weather. If you typically run outdoors, does your temporary location allow for success?

• Purchase travel equipment as needed. We’ve highlighted our go-to’s below:

TRX GO Trainer

Everything you need to a full workout, compact and packable.

Collapsible Foam Roller

Easily fits into a carry-on, while still providing firm massage once expanded.

The Orb

Our go-to massage ball for both upper and lower body.

4-Pack of Mini Bands

Travel friendly resistance, in multiple strengths.

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On Location:

Make a plan.

• Identify optimal times to fit in your exercises. Prioritize your circuit prior to any physical activity, completing a majority of the list at your accommodation, and a light warm up once you arrive at your activity.

• Communicate with family and travel companions that this is important for your recovery. They’ll be more supportive of you taking 15-30 minutes away.

• Split up high demand activities when possible to match your current tolerance. Try to plan lighter activity days between more physically demanding days.

Connect with your clinician sooner rather than later to schedule your pre-holiday appointment!

Email our Team

Holiday Scheduling Request

Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendinopathy: Part II

If the symptoms from the last post sound familiar, it’s important to seek care to prevent the condition from advancing. The good news is FHL tendinopathy does not require imaging for diagnosis. You can see a PT or AT directly- they’ll evaluate and diagnose your condition, and will refer you to a physician as needed.

After assessing your leg, your clinician will be able to ascertain contributing factors that led to the injury and how to address them with an individualized exercise program including neuromuscular re-education and functional training. Neuromuscular re-education helps reprogram the way you move- focusing on specific muscle activation and timing. This strategy takes the whole kinetic chain into consideration, looking for inefficient habits that may seem unrelated to your injury.

For example, many athletes diagnosed with FHL tendinopathy present with excessive pronation- or arch collapsing- a faulty pattern that can contribute to overloading the FHL in running. Strengthening the hip, pelvis and core muscles, combined with improved running mechanics can reduce this problem for the long term!

If you are able to see a clinician in-person, manual therapy may be beneficial to reduce inflammation, muscular tension, and any joint stiffness.  

Until your appointment, follow these recommendations at home:

1. Rest from the aggravating activity - running, dancing, etc.

2. For pain management, try over the counter NSAIDs (ie Advil, Aleve)

3. Use contrast therapy to reduce inflammation:

   • Submerge foot for 10-15’ total following the pattern below:

     • 2-3’ in ice water

     • 2-3’ warm water

     • 2-3’ ice water

     • 2-3’ warm water

     • 2-3’ ice water

4. Self-massage the outer calf by rolling with a tennis ball or something similar on the floor

5. Perform a seated calf stretch with a towel at the toes, being sure to pull the big toe back with the foot