Four Reasons Santa Claus Needs Physical Therapy

Legend has it that Santa Claus flies around the world on a reindeer-drawn sleigh. He steps down from the sleigh, climbs into chimneys, stuffs stockings on fireplace mantels, stoops to place gifts, slings his bag of gifts over his shoulder, climbs back up the chimney, steps up into his sleigh and flies off. Over and over again. All around the world at break-neck speed.

Santa is a busy, magical man. But a man he is. Do you think he has some occupational health issues? Like most selfless individuals, he has devoted all of his magic to making children smile and none to himself. [Sigh]

We’re going to hazard a guess at some pain that Santa is likely experiencing. Read on for an explanation, along with some strengthening/stretching exercises that may help. If they don’t, he should see his doctor or a physical therapist.

Low Back Pain: Because he sits for hours on end, Santa could be experiencing lower back pain, or even pain, numbness or tingling in the back of the leg.

Helpful Exercises: Hamstring stretches, partial sit-ups, and wall-sits

Hamstring Stretches

Knee Pain: The elf responsible for workshop health and safety probably sent an email reminding Santa to use handrails when stepping in and out of his sleigh. But if he has been naughty and ignored the email, then Santa is probably experiencing knee pain.

Helpful Exercises: Standing or lying leg raises, leg raises on the back or stomach, and wall-sits

Shoulder Pain: All these years of repetitive overhead motion have probably taken their toll on Santa. The constant stocking filling and the harnessing of reindeer may now be aggravating his shoulder pain.

Helpful Exercises: Shoulder rolls, lawn mower pulls, upper trapezius stretches, or the levator scapula (or armpit) stretches