Snow shoveling season is upon us and residents across the nation are bracing wintery weather conditions to dig themselves out. MyoBuddy Products' CEO and Licensed Massage Therapist Jason Auer-Sears advises on snow shoveling safety tips for avoiding injury related back pain.

"Residents venturing out to shovel snow should take precautions that could prevent back injuries," says Licensed Massage Therapist Auer-Sears.

Before setting out to shovel your way out, Auer-Sears recommends the following snow shoveling techniques to help avoid back strain and injury.

Prepare with the following:

• Choose the right shovel. A shovel with an ergonomically curved and/or adjustable handle will help prevent injury.
• Warm up. Take about 10 minutes to get your blood flowing with some light cardiovascular exercise like jogging in place, and be sure to stretch your muscles.
• Push snow, as opposed to lifting it, if possible.

If You Must Lift Snow, Use Proper Ergonomic Lifting Techniques:

• Always face the snow you intend to remove, keeping your hips and shoulders square.
• Squat by bending your knees to lower your stance, and use your leg muscles, rather than your back, to lift. If your legs are tired, you're doing it right!
• Shovel small amounts frequently, instead of large amounts all at once.
• Keep one hand as close to the blade as comfortably possible, while placing the other hand on the handle.
• Walk to the location you wish to drop the snow (rather than reaching or tossing it).
• If you absolutely must throw the snow, don't twist your body to do so. Instead, step into the direction that you want the snow to go to, keeping your feet facing in the direction you are throwing.

Other Helpful Tips

Make sure to take frequent breaks, about every 15 minutes, to keep from overdoing it. Stretch your arms, shoulders, and back, and remember to drink lots of good quality water. As with any vigorous exercise, it's important to stay hydrated. Also, if at all possible, don't let the snow pile up before you start shoveling. It's a great deal easier to move small amounts of snow frequently than it is to move a heavy load all at once. So shovel early and often. And then head inside to enjoy a nice cup of hot java or cocoa. You've earned it!

If you do sustain a back injury while shoveling, Auer-Sears recommends you reach for your MyoBuddy PRO Massager®! The most powerful, comfortable, and affordable percussive massager on the market, MyoBuddy PRO is used by professionals in the fitness and wellness industries to treat sore muscles and reduce risk of injury and is also found in homes of everyday folks, plugged in by the couch and on call to treat aches and pains and manage stress. Providing wellness in seconds and pain relief in seconds, MyoBuddy PRO features all types of massages including relaxation, trigger point, deep tissue, recovery, sports, circulatory, friction, percussion, mobility, lotion, essential oils, pre/post exercise, and dry brushing for both personal and partner massages. Follow MyoBuddy on Twitter @MyoBuddy.