What do you do in that time when all electronics must be in the off-position and stowed? This weekend my sister and I found ourselves perusing the offerings of the latest SkyMall and somehow we did find entertainment pondering the stainless steel wallet, the canine geneaology kit, “Bigfoot the Bashful Yeti” tree sculpture, and the people who buy such things. But between the 147 pages of the catalog and the hundreds of items of kitsch, there are a few items that are surprisingly useful to the person wishing to be healthier or even the person going through physical therapy! Here a few that I found that I thought would be good to share with you.
This is a vacuum seal covering for a cast or bandage, making it possible to shower or swim. I wish they had this 13 years ago when I broke my arm and was garbage bagging it to bathe!
I always like another option for doing exercise outside. This is an elliptical trainer on wheels that folds flat so you can take it anywhere. Some people just can’t ride a bike or run because it hurts, but lots of people can do the elliptical without pain.
Guys that sit on a “Costanza” wallet can develop spinal and pelvic imbalances that can lead to back pain. This wallet is shaped to fit in the front pocket of the pants, so you can keep the oversized wallet, but skip the physical pain it may cause.
Lying on your stomach to sunbathe puts a lot of strain on the spine which is why I advocate a pillow under the stomach and forehead. This is actually a product that allows you to lounge at the beach, lying on your stomach, WITHOUT craning your neck and crunching your low back! The ergonomic design has a built-in face rest and lumbar support. There is even a face cutout so you can breathe easy or read.
This is an adjustable stand for a laptop that allows you to stand or sit while using the computer. I personally think all desks should have the option to stand and work or sit. This would likely cut down on lots of computer-related neck and back pain.
You can post these lights wherever you want, but they show them lighting up stairs. I think this could be a very useful product for people who have fallen or are at risk for falling. Low lighting is a risk factor for falling and I recommend having adequate lighting everywhere at all times to prevent a fall, especially on stairs and uneven terrain.
This is always an annoyance for me when travelling. I MUST have something between my knees when I sleep or I am uncomfortable. If you sleep on your side you should have something between your knees to keep your hips and back in a better position. This is an inflatable knee pillow that attaches to your leg, so if you turn over at night it stays in place.
FootSmart Nighttime Bunion Regulator
My sister asked me if this product would “fix” a bunion. I think this foot splint could help to relieve pressure and pain, though many times bunions are the product of collapsed foot arches, leg length discrepancy, hip weakness, tight muscles, etc… so although it may help to relieve pain, someone with bunions should really see a physical therapist and a podiatrist to see if other exercises or treatments need to be done. Find a PT here.
This is a cane that opens up into a stool. This is great if you have arthritis, trouble staying on your feet for prolonged periods, and need to know for sure there will be somewhere for you to sit and rest painful joints.
And just for fun… the FaceTrainer. Why didn’t I come up with this product?! Naturally lift your face by working the muscles. Not sure if this works, but it sure does look interesting.
I am not endorsing these products and I have not received any compensation for writing about any of the aforementioned products.
MoniqueSerpasPT
My name is Monique Serpas, PT, DPT, OCS. I am a physical therapist and board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist practicing at the Southeast Louisiana Healthcare System in New Orleans, LA. I realize how difficult it can be to overcome an injury or manage a chronic condition and am focused on helping my clients achieve wellness through a physically active lifestyle. I treat orthopaedic, balance, and vestibular disorders and practice using a combination of hands-on manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and education. This enables my patients to assist in their own recovery and injury prevention. I also have developed fall prevention and golf-related rehab programs in the past. I hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin (2008) and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University (2004). I am a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Louisiana Physical Therapy Association (LPTA), and the Orthopaedic and Neurology sections of the APTA.
If you want to connect beyond the blog, m...@geaux2pt.com or click on the following social network icons:
September 10, 2010
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