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It’s only the second day of 2016 and I’ve already injured myself. I tweaked my neck and I cannot turn my head or lift my left arm more than shoulder height. Although it is not a severe injury, it has definitely put me out of commission for the last few days and caused me noticeable pain. There was no trauma or significant strain. It just happened.

This is the story I hear from many of my clients and it’s happened to me now. And although there was no accident or major incident, I am not surprised I tweaked my neck. As many of you know, I’ve had my hands full taking care of my 9 month old baby. There definitely has been less self-care these last few months. My posture has worsened from hours of breastfeeding, intermingled with playing with her on the ground, lots of bending and lifting, and barely any time or energy for a workout. I know my posture hasn’t been good, that my neck and shoulder muscles are tight, and that I should be exercising more. Sound familiar?

So maybe this injury is a wake-up call for me for 2016. That I need to care for myself and address things early before they become a bigger issue. For many of my clients, their injuries have backstories to them as well. It’s easy to ignore a bit of stiffness, the occasional headache, or power through a run even if your knee twinges a bit. Maybe it’s just a tight IT band or hip flexor, or maybe work has just got so busy that you are stuck to a computer all day and your posture is the last thing you are thinking of. In and of themselves, these issues are manageable, but unfortunately our bodies don’t work in isolation and that means something will compensate and/or breakdown and that’s when conditions like tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and disc herniations can happen. Whatever your situation is, I encourage you to take care of yourself as well. I’m reminded that I am a better wife, mother, and therapist when I am looking after myself and staying healthy.

Did you know you can go see a physiotherapist before something major happens? It is so much easier to address these issues early on and you don’t have to be sidelined for weeks or even months. Let’s strengthen the core before you throw out your back, strengthen the hips before your knees break down, and improve your posture before your neck seizes up!

Jessie Wu, MPT, ConnectTherapy™, Clinical Pilates, CAFCI