These are a Few of My Favorite Things
Updated: 1 day ago
Clients have been asking for devices and items to keep their chiropractic care in balance and in tune. Sometimes I also prescribe homework where you might need some equipment. So I've decided to compile a list and I will be updating it as I discover more and more great resources. Plus, this way you don't have to hear me parody sing from the Sound of Music!
What's inside
Sleep
Exercise bands
Analgesic Creams
Ergonomic Desks
Massage Electronics
Head and Neck (migraines, headaches, neck pain)
Shoulders (torn rotator cuff, impingement syndrome)
Elbows and hands (carpal tunnel, golfer's elbow, tennis elbow)
Hips & Low back (hypermobile sacroiliac joint, disc degeneration)
Knees (patello-femoral pain syndrome, old ALC injuries)
Ankles and feet (plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bunions)
Sleep
Sleep is critical in every aspect of healing, and if you are in pain or are in poor posture at night, you are fighting sysiphys's boulder (say that three times fast)! Mattresses have a shelf life of 8 to 10 years, and latex tends to last the longest, sometimes even to15. Though a mattress is an investment, a good one can serve you for so long that it's worth choosing the right one.
Sattva I recommend them for too many reasons to count: 1 year guarantee, shipment includes installation as well as mattress removal, lumbar zone technology, and it's trusted by Olympic athletes. Pillows are available as well.
Nectar's Hybrid mattress is a more economical option that is also eco-friendly.
Exercise Bands
Wherever you go, an exercise band can be a handy tool!
Theraband Three Levels allows for us to progress your care plan with ease.
A handy tip: tie a knot in the middle of the band, then wedge the knot into the top of a closed door to create an anchor.
Analgesic Creams
Sometimes we want to quiet some of the pain we're experiencing, and these are some of my favorites:
Ergonomic Desk
Playfulness and movement is key in a job where staying still is a constant factor! That's why
a sit/stand desk and a wireless keyboard are my first recommendations for purchase. Purchase an entire new desk or one to place on your current desk (converter).
If you are always on the go, a wireless keyboard allows you to type with the keyboard on your lap or on a low table, while your device is raised in a superior position so that your eyes stay 'on the horizon.' No more excuses at the coffee shop! I stack books, oat milk cartons, or purchase a stand for the laptop. Here are my go-to:
Massage Tools
Sometimes a muscle needs to receive some myofascial release in order to feel relaxed, and I recommend the following. Please don't use them for more than 10 minutes at a time.
Rapid Release is my first choice, and you don't have to change attachments.
Head and Neck
For some types of neck pain and migraines, I recommend cervical decompression collars. If Please speak with a provider about cervical decompression collars before purchasing.
360 Air Pump Collar is for those without hypertension or any blood disorders.
Air Pump Traction is for those who want a more premier experience, or who have vascular issues.
Shoulders
Coming soon!
Elbows and Hands
A painful muscle is often a weak muscle. So I recommend exercises with a TheraBar. I also have some wrist braces here as well.
Therabar for Tennis and Golfer's elbow
Wrist brace for carpal tunnel
Hips & Low Back
If you've been diagnosed with hypermobility, I recommend this SI compression belt. If you have a hot low back and still need to bend over, I recommend the first back brace. For traction, heat and some pain gating relief with massage, I reccomend the last listed brace.
Knees
If you need more support, I recommend this knee brace. If you have more of a mild to moderate patellofemoral syndrome, I recommend this kinesio tape.
Ankles and Feet
Good shoes are a really important investment. I recommend a wide toe box so your big toe has all the room it needs to push off and a zero to low drop for your achilles tendon to fully move. If you want inserts, please come into the office and we can get you scheduled for some Foot Levelers. If you need some in a jiffy, I recommend Superfeet.
...And then I don't feel, so sad!
Have a favorite I should try? Tell me at your next visit and I may add it to the list!
Using Your HSA or FSA
If you’re my patient, your HSA/FSA may ask for a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for a purchase. If you have a diagnosed condition then some items, such as a mattress, may be paid for with pre-tax dollars, which can lower what you spend overall. Your FSA/HSA plan makes the final decision, but I am happy to write the letter for you!
Disclosure: Please always consult with a provider before purchasing any of these items. I earn a commission from some of the links in this post; thanks for supporting your chiropractor!
Comments