Preventing Holiday Injuries: Decoration Tear-Down

The holidays may be over, but before you can relax, there is one last task on the list: taking everything down. Packing up decorations, lights, and trees might not seem like a big deal, but this end-of-season chore can lead to unexpected injuries if you are not careful. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can keep your body safe while you wrap up the season.

1. Start with a Clear Plan 

Before you start pulling things down, make sure your work area is clean and uncluttered. Tripping over cords, boxes, or stray ornaments is a common cause of post-holiday injuries. Make sure your walkway is well-lit, too. You want good visibility at all walkways in case an ornament rolls out of place.

 2. Use Ladders Safely

Many holiday injuries happen from falls which are worse if they are from chairs or unstable ladders. Always use a sturdy ladder when climbing up, not furniture or countertops. When you are on a ladder, keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times (two feet and one hand). And remember, slow and steady is safe and sturdy. Do not overreach. Move the ladder if you need to get something further away.

3. Lift and Pack with Care

Those bins of ornaments, garlands, and lights can be heavier than you remember! Improper lifting is one of the leading causes of back injuries. To lift safely, bend at your knees and hips, not the waist. Always keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting when carrying. If the load is too great, split it up into smaller trips. Your back will thank you.

4. Protect Your Shoulders and Neck

Reaching overhead for long periods to take down lights or garland can strain your shoulders and neck. To reduce strain, alternate arms frequently and take breaks. Clean up another part of your house in the meantime to stay productive while switching up your motions to prevent overuse injuries.

5. Get Help When Your Body Needs It

Soreness after a busy tear-down day is normal, but sharp or lingering pain is not. If you notice discomfort in your back, shoulders, or knees that does not resolve, a physical therapist can help. They can teach you safe lifting techniques, address muscle strain, and help you recover comfortably. For more tips on keeping your body moving safely year-round, book your physical therapy appointment today!

References

1. Partridge RA, Virk AS, Antosia RE. Causes and patterns of injury from ladder falls. Acad Emerg Med. 1998;5(1):31-34. doi:10.1111/j.1553-2712.1998.tb02571.x
2. Dupuis F, Sole G, Wassinger CA, et al. The impact of experimental pain on shoulder movement during an arm elevated reaching task in a virtual reality environment. Physiol Rep. 2021;9(18):e15025. doi:10.14814/phy2.15025