What items would a PT suggest for Christmas? Here are some common products I’m often recommending from cheap to expensive. I will attach a link for each item. And if you’re done shopping, you can pamper yourself.
Lacrosse balls. These are good for deep massage, helping to decrease pain after exercise, working out thick, tight soft tissue areas and helping muscles stretch. They are also available at sporting good stores and Target and you can find softer or firmer versions. Two taped together or tennis balls can also be helpful to relieve neck pain. Less than $10 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TW3CP6R/ref=psdc_16303081_t3_B07P7LVFL4
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Spray. This is a great way to add magnesium to your body topically. This can help decrease nerve pain, relax sore muscles or improve sleep. There is also a lotion and it works great too. Epsom salt baths also are a good source of magnesium. Less than $20 https://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Minerals-Magnesium-Zechstein-Chloride/dp/B001AD0HL8/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_rm?ac_md=0-0-YW5jaWVudCBtaW5lcmFscyBtYWduZXNpdW0gc3ByYXk%3D-ac_d_rm&crid=2JAVPZW12CHKN&keywords=ancient+minerals+magnesium+spray&pd_rd_i=B001AD0HL8&pd_rd_r=dd4ff987-0634-4ec1-a497-7f0e9e49b781&pd_rd_w=48iIo&pd_rd_wg=3hc50&pf_rd_p=6d29ef56-fc35-411a-8a8e-7114f01518f7&pf_rd_r=2MXY06HT6YS5MYJ6QW13&psc=1&qid=1576267738&sprefix=ancient+mi%2Caps%2C314
Posture Corrector. This brace is a simple design to fit men and women to help them find a more neutral posture. It helps lift the chest and pull the shoulders up and back. The straps can be difficult to reach from behind and fasten, depending on your shoulder flexibility. This is one choice, but there are a variety. This one does have padding under the arms which can keep strap pressure off the nerves. Less than $20. https://www.amazon.com/Posture-Corrector-Women-Men-Straightener/dp/B07F6ZKM6P/ref=pd_sbs_121_1/130-1820451-9795805?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07F6ZKM6P&pd_rd_r=7a030afc-82b0-4d7e-9e4b-5293e0365424&pd_rd_w=x85Nk&pd_rd_wg=ST7pw&pf_rd_p=5873ae95-9063-4a23-9b7e-eafa738c2269&pf_rd_r=XQG9NWV2ZKR5Z041SAVY&psc=1&refRID=XQG9NWV2ZKR5Z041SAVY
Nayoya Accupunture Mat. I got this last year and have enjoyed lying on it. The pillow is very good for neck pain and headaches. Just put it low enough to help the base of the neck too. This was one of the only choices last year and now there are many to choose from. Less than $40. https://www.amazon.com/Nayoya-Back-Neck-Pain-Relief/dp/B0049Q0P9M/ref=sr_1_19?crid=UFAWD2X7EW38&keywords=accupunture+mats&qid=1576268306&s=hpc&sprefix=accupun%2Chpc%2C292&sr=1-19
Low back Support Cushion by Backbone Cushion. This is a good back support that supports the entire spine without increasing the curve in your low back. Many back supports are made to increase the lumbar curve, which is not always beneficial. I use this in the car, at my desk at home and sometimes on the couch. Less than $70 https://www.amazon.com/Relief-Support-Cushion-Mid-Back-Thoracic/dp/B00AFJ5Z1A/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=backbone+chair+cushion&qid=1576267960&s=hpc&sr=1-1-catcorr
Sleep Number Variacool Pillow. This is a contour foam pillow that you can adjust to fit your individual neck size. There is a valve on the side that you can push air out to decrease the height of the contour or open to allow more in. It works well for back or side sleepers. Keeping your neck supported is very important to a good nights sleep. Under $120. https://www.sleepnumber.com/All-Pillows/Pillows/p/variacool-pillow?size=Standard&shape=Ultimate%20Foam
Halogun Massager. High frequency massagers are becoming very popular. This is a cheaper version and has 20 vibration speeds going up to 3200 RPM. Massagers can increase blood flood, decrease lactic acid in the muscles, decreasing soreness, increase flexibility and decrease pain and sensitivity to a more specific area. Around $140. https://www.amazon.com/Cordless-Handheld-Percussion-Featuring-Technology/dp/B07V5QNKHT/ref=sr_1_4?crid=21J5N8Q2TSH4O&keywords=halogun+massage+gun&qid=1576268615&s=hpc&sprefix=halog%2Chpc%2C521&sr=1-4
Sleep Number i8 bed. This is the top of the line bed at Sleep Number. What makes this very interesting is that it changes as you move from your back to your side and adjusts your sleep number. It also tracks your sleep, pulse, respiration, deep sleep, minutes restless and how many times you got up in the night. If it would only rock and play lullabies! Mattress under $4000, but also need a base. https://www.sleepnumber.com/beds/Innovation-Series-Beds/p/i8