Still shopping for holiday gifts?
Check out my list of favorite things. These items are ones I personally use and recommend to my clients.
1. On a cold day, a microwaveable neck wrap aka “rice sock” will make your neck and shoulders feel AMAZING. The person in your life with stiff joints and tight muscles will love to see this under the tree.
Traditionally, a “rice sock” is literally a tube sock filled with rice. The rice, seed, or even beans gives the wrap a lovely weight that makes the wearer full snug and cozy. This one on Etsy is filled with flax seed — guaranteed to hug the curves of the neck and shoulders.
Find this one for $24.55 on Etsy. A similar product is $26.99 on Amazon
2. After long hours at a computer, the yoga wheel is a must for a mid-day stretch break.
Stiffness between the shoulders inevitably leads to neck pain. Bending over the yoga wheel opens the chest and creates mobility in the spine, allowing the neck and shoulders to move free and easy. A few minutes of yoga wheel a day will make any work day better. $38.99 on Amazon
A great companion to the Yoga Wheel is a class pass to Aradia Fitness Cary — who just happens to have virtual yoga wheel classes.
3. These trigger point balls really are RAD! A great stocking stuffer option for the person who is all about self-care and workout recovery.
The 3 sizes have different densities, ready to massage every sore and tight muscle you can find. $16.00 on Amazon
4. For the person who wants to know all the things, The Roll Model book is a thick step-by-step guide to all things self-massage.
This book is a gold mine of tips, tricks, and sequences to make every muscle in the body feel amazing. $25.49 on Amazon
5. Give the gift of easier, Better and faster poops! The Squatty Potty is A must-have bathroom accessory.
Humans are not meant to sit fully upright on the toilet. Unless you’re NBA tall, conventional toilets set you up for failure in the bathroom — contributing to constipation and even back pain. The squatty potty puts you in the ideal position for optimal colon elimination.
New in squatty potty design is this acrylic model for $76.28 on Amazon. Or opt for the classic white model for $18.74 on Amazon.
6. The Under Desk Footrest is an often overlooked ergonomic accessory. Purchase this for the person with short legs, who is constantly fidgeting or sitting on their foot.
Sitting up with good posture is a million times easier with a proper footrest — which means less grumpiness and more energy at the end of the work day! $29.99 on Amazon
7. Anyone working on a laptop needs a laptop stand and external keyboard.
It’s literally impossible to have good posture when using a laptop. Save your loved ones from agonizing neck and back pain with this easy addition to any desk. The little hole in the back wrangles cables and it clears up more space to make your office look polished and professional. $36.98 on Amazon
8. Your workout-aholic will love to find Voodoo Floss in their stocking. A must for anyone with overuse injuries such as shin splints, tennis elbow, and cranky shoulders.
Aside from having a cool name, Voodoo Floss is fantastic at relaxing overworked muscles. You wrap the band tightly around the offending body part - such as the calf, forearm, or shoulder. Then move and stretch for 1-2 minutes. When removed, new blood rushes in and the muscles feel like they’ve had a long deep tissue massage. $25.25 on Rogue Fitness
9. ME! Give the ultimate gift of health and wellness with an Art of Movement Physical Therapy eGift Card. If you’ve loved my services, your family and friends will too.
It wouldn’t be a gift guide if I didn’t shamelessly plug my own business, would it? Not to mention, it really is an awesome gift to provide to someone you see struggling with pain.
Purchase an eGift Card … or for those stubborn family members who complain about their aches and pains, but never get around to making an appointment — book them an appointment.
So there you have it! Those are my 9 gift ideas for anyone on your list. Whether they’re actively pursuing a movement goal or just ready for a healthier lifestyle, they’ll appreciate the effort you’re putting into supporting them.
Happy Holidays!
Dr. Liz Waddell
Art of Movement Physical Therapy