OT DIY pedicure over 60 / strained back

michl43 · 01-02-23, 05:56 PM

I’m 62, and have been doing my own pedicures (just filing and trimming, but it takes at least 20 min or more) sitting on floor. This weekend I strained my lower back from the bending involved. Just wondering is there a safe position such sitting on chair figure-four or another way so I could start doing it safely, or should I just go to a professional?

michl43 · 01-03-23, 11:22 AM

I’m guessing I should just get pedicures or try to not bend so long if I do it myself

donnamp · 01-03-23, 11:39 AM

I would suggest maybe not bending over for so long - like maybe do one foot, then stand up - do some back bending/extension exercises - then go back and do the other foot. Then if you do polish - do the same thing - one foot at a time or 3 toes at a time or something like that. It was probably the prolonged leaning forward that did you in.

I have noticed that my flexibility and mobility is going down the drain - so I have to keep up with that type of work to retain what I still have!

Donna

michl43 · 01-03-23, 12:43 PM

Thanks

bzar · 01-03-23, 02:36 PM

Try laying on your side on the floor, and do the pedicure in that position. switch sides as needed.

when i was pregnant, this was the modification I did for abs and pilates moves to avoid pressure on the back and that artery that supplied all the goodies to the fetus.

michl43 · 01-03-23, 02:37 PM

Thanks

BunnyHop · 01-03-23, 10:22 PM

I've just begun investigating this sort of thing myself.

I've started using Dazzle Dry polishes, and they are quick dry and long lasting. Not cheap, since you need to buy the whole system to use them, but the longevity alone has me convinced.

Next time I do my nails, I plan to also do my toes (for the first time in a long time). The quick drying times should be a help.

Another issue for me is not sitting on the floor. I do much better if I sit in a chair and prop my foot up on something, higher than hip level. Easier to see, less struggle to maintain the position, and less awkward all around.

michl43 · 01-03-23, 10:44 PM

Thanks. I’ll definitely try that, and also a chair sitting figure four might work while also getting a stretch

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01-02-23, 05:56 PM
michl43 Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego	OT DIY pedicure over 60 / strained back I’m 62, and have been doing my own pedicures (just filing and trimming, but it takes at least 20 min or more) sitting on floor. This weekend I strained my lower back from the bending involved. Just wondering is there a safe position such sitting on chair figure-four or another way so I could start doing it safely, or should I just go to a professional?

01-03-23, 11:22 AM
michl43 Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego	I’m guessing I should just get pedicures or try to not bend so long if I do it myself

01-03-23, 11:39 AM
donnamp Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Maryland, USA	I would suggest maybe not bending over for so long - like maybe do one foot, then stand up - do some back bending/extension exercises - then go back and do the other foot. Then if you do polish - do the same thing - one foot at a time or 3 toes at a time or something like that. It was probably the prolonged leaning forward that did you in. I have noticed that my flexibility and mobility is going down the drain - so I have to keep up with that type of work to retain what I still have! Donna

01-03-23, 12:43 PM
michl43 Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego	Thanks

01-03-23, 02:36 PM
bzar Exchange Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: PalmTreeVille	Try laying on your side on the floor, and do the pedicure in that position. switch sides as needed. when i was pregnant, this was the modification I did for abs and pilates moves to avoid pressure on the back and that artery that supplied all the goodies to the fetus. __________________ ~jeannine Miyagi: Wax on, right hand. Wax off, left hand. Wax on, wax off. Breathe in through nose, out the mouth. Wax on, wax off. Don't forget to breathe, very important. [walks away, still making circular motions with hands] ~ Pat Morita, The Karate Kid, 1984 disclosure: in the years 2002-2004 i had a professional relationship with a distributor of fitness videos; see profile.

01-03-23, 02:37 PM
michl43 Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego	Thanks

01-03-23, 10:22 PM
BunnyHop Join Date: Nov 2008	I've just begun investigating this sort of thing myself. I've started using Dazzle Dry polishes, and they are quick dry and long lasting. Not cheap, since you need to buy the whole system to use them, but the longevity alone has me convinced. Next time I do my nails, I plan to also do my toes (for the first time in a long time). The quick drying times should be a help. Another issue for me is not sitting on the floor. I do much better if I sit in a chair and prop my foot up on something, higher than hip level. Easier to see, less struggle to maintain the position, and less awkward all around. __________________ Anna

01-03-23, 10:44 PM
michl43 Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego	Thanks. I’ll definitely try that, and also a chair sitting figure four might work while also getting a stretch