The holiday season is upon us, and one of the questions floating around is what I should get the person I care about. Holiday gifts that support movement, recovery, and stress relief feel extra meaningful— especially when they’re inspired by physical therapy principles. This combined guide highlights practical, PT-friendly gift ideas for those you care about, whether they are in PT themselves, rehabbing from an injury, or preventing an injury from occurring. These items can be used by any person but are frequently used during sessions in physical therapy. Most of these items are frequently found on places like Amazon, Costco, Target or most online retailers and you can find the option that works best for you (we do not have any specific one that we recommend or benefit from, but you can always talk to your therapist about the one they use in office).
Recovery and self-care tools
Simple recovery tools make it easier to manage muscle tension and joint stiffness at home, especially during the busy holiday season. Whether it is the longer commute hours during holiday traffic, increased time hunched over putting together and wrapping gifts, or if it has started snowing where you live the aches and pains from shoveling these tools can help with recovery from many of these daily activities.
- Massage gun or handheld massager- this handheld tool allows you to help relieve those tight areas at home independently and quickly.
- How to use it: Apply to larger muscle groups like quads, glutes, and calves for 30–60seconds per area after activity, staying off bones and joints. The amount of force you apply should be comfortable, pushing down harder as tolerated.
- Massage cane or trigger point tool- This is a more manual way to work at getting muscle knots in the back
- How to use it: Hook the cane over the upper back or shoulder and apply gentle downward pressure to tight spots for 20–30 seconds while breathing slowly. Repeat this process a couple of times as you begin to notice a decrease in tension in the area. Rotate through a few trigger points 1–2 times per day without pushing into sharp pain. Do not press directly into any bones or the spine.
- Heating pad or microwavable heat wrap- Can help to relieve pain and stiffness
- How to use it: Place over the neck, low back, or hips for 10–20 minutes to ease stiffness, with a fabric layer between skin and heat source. Make sure not to fall asleep while using and that it is at a safe temperature if using a microwaveable one. Use before stretching or light exercise to improve comfort and mobility.
Strength and mobility at home
Strength and mobility-focused gifts help people follow through on PT exercises and stay active between visits. They are ideal for those who are rehabbing an injury or trying to prevent one. They can also be used to help maintain the benefits found during therapy once a patient is discharged.
- Foam roller
- How to use it: Lie with the roller perpendicular under the mid-back and roll slowly up and down the thoracic spine for 1–2 minutes. Then target hips or quads for another 1–2minutes, keeping movements controlled and pain-free.[1] You can also do it against a wall, if the pressure is too much laying on the floor. Your therapist can show you ways to target other impacted muscles
- Resistance band kit
- How to use it: Resistance bands can be used for a variety of exercises from monster walks and sidestepping to rows and shoulder strengthening exercises. They can often be tied into a loop or anchored to a door, so they do not require any additional equipment. Your physical therapist can help set you up with exercises to perform with resistance bands on your own in between sessions to help with making progress towards our goals.
- Slant board or calf stretch wedge
- How to use it: Stand facing uphill with both feet on the board, heels down, for a 30–45second calf stretch. Progress to single-leg stance or gentle mini-squats on the board as tolerated to support ankle mobility and Achilles/plantar fascia health.
Balance, bone health, and fall prevention
For older adults or anyone with balance concerns, gifts that safely challenge stability and support bone health can be especially meaningful. These tools make home exercise more engaging and purposeful.
- Balance pad
- How to use it: Start with standing on two feet while holding a countertop for 30–60seconds. Progress to single-leg stance or gentle weight shifts, always near a stable support and in a clutter-free space. This can also be used to progress more dynamic exercises that were previously done on a stable ground like squats, lunges, dynamic single leg activities etc.
- Light-to-moderate weighted vest
- How to use it: Wear the vest for short indoor walks of 5–10 minutes a few times per week to gradually add load. Increase time slowly and avoid use if there is a history of spine fractures or significant balance issues without professional guidance.
- Step platform or low box
- How to use it: Perform step-ups, lateral step-ups, and controlled step-downs. Emphasize slow, controlled lowering and use a railing or counter for support as needed. Many boxes are adjustable, so as this gets easier and more repetitions of controlled movement can be performed, the height can be increased.
Lifestyle tech and ergonomic wellness
Tech and wellness gifts can nudge healthy habits without feeling “clinical,” especially when they fit naturally into daily routines.
- Fitness tracker
- How to use it: Set a realistic daily step goal and track weekly trends to encourage gradual increases. Use reminders or activity alerts to prompt short walking or stretch breaks during long workdays
- Ergonomic home office support (lumbar roll or seat cushion)
- How to use it: Place a lumbar roll at the small of the back or use a wedge cushion to help maintain a neutral spine while sitting. Pair it with a “move every 30–45 minutes “rule, standing or walking for 2–3 minutes to reduce stiffness and back pain risk. Make sure that your monitor is at eye level, and if needed buy a stand to place underneath it.
- Mini pedal exerciser or under-desk cycle
- How to use it: Position it under a desk or in front of a favorite chair and pedal at light-to-moderate effort for 10–20 minutes while reading, watching TV, or taking non-video calls. Use it for low-impact cardio, circulation, and knee mobility on days when outdoor walking is harder in winter weather.
If you or someone you know could benefit from learning more about how these items could assist with recovery from an injury, or injury prevention, schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists today! Our therapists are able to set up a comprehensive plan, including a lot of the items mentioned above, to help you meet your goals for the new year so you are moving and feeling better!
**Blog created with the assistance of AI technology**
