I’m beyond happy that summer is in full swing and the calendar is already filling up with fun activities. I love going with my family down the greenway, taking my daughter to the playground and watching her give it her all on swim team! For all outdoor activities, I’m constantly pushing my wheelchair and that can lead to some achy muscles.
We’ve definitely been spending some quality time outside and, as mentioned, one of our daily activities is going to the playground. Every playground I go to basically had a path around it so as Kaylee moves around, I’m pushing around to keep an eye on her. When I head to the beach and want to go to the shops, I’m going in and out of stores, and pushing over door thresholds.
Shoulder pain is a far too common problem for manual wheelchair users. I mean, imagine pushing across parking lots, going up ramps and so forth for decades! Our shoulders just aren’t made for that type of activity. Estimates are that upwards of 70 to 100% of individuals will experience upper extremity pain using their manual wheelchair at some point in their lives. I’ve discovered something that really helps me with my pain, and that is targeted heat therapy.
Heat is a natural, non-medicated way to treat sore muscles in your body. It increases blood flow which goes to the source of the pain to accelerate tissue healing and relax sore muscles.
The GoHeat™ Cordless Heating Pad is my go-to product from Sunbeam. It’s so convenient to be able to take heat therapy with me out and about as I am enjoying this beautiful weather. It’s even convenient when I am at home on a rainy day because I can roll around the house doing whatever I want without having to sit next to a plug in the wall.
This portable heating pad uses a rechargeable, lithium-ion battery that runs for up to 4 hours on a single charge on low setting. You will feel the heat in 30 seconds and you can customize treatment with 3 heat settings. Heat is clinically proven to relieve pain associated with muscle tension and stress. It stays in place with an adjustable strap and you can even spray the fabric with water for deep, penetrating pain relief.
Along with targeted heat therapy, make sure your wheels always have enough air, your casters are cleaned out and all of the screws are tightened. Exercise and stretching are imperative as well.
So go ahead and enjoy all the activities you want to do this summer! Sunbeam has you covered.
