images: courtesy of 20th Century Studios
It’s that time of the year when TV channels and streaming services are brimming with Holiday season favorites. Within the comedies, dramas, fantasies, and romances is one story that offers important takeaways for people who experience acute injuries or chronic musculoskeletal impediments. Is it National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? Christmas with the Kranks? Maybe Die Hard? While each of these include revelations that may be applied to the need for physiotherapy, they don’t tackle the issues quite like one classic – Home Alone. John Hughes’ narrative functions as a cautionary tale for anyone who sits on the fence about getting help from a physiotherapist. How? Let’s review!
5 Home Alone Injuries That Require Physiotherapy for Rehabilitation or Prevention
I. Injury Sustained from an Icy Slip and Fall
One of the first boobytraps that Kevin McCallister sets for antagonists Harry and Marv, is the iced staircase to his home. While inherently hazardous, Harry (who got the worst or this boobytrap) could have avoided a nasty fall and subsequent injury if he had undergone regular physiotherapy beforehand. This is because physiotherapy methods can be used to correct and improve balance.
II. Concussion from Shovel to the Noggin
While the intruders get their fair share of knocks to the noggin, the one Marv receives via the shovel of McCallister’s neighbor – Old Man Marley – is especially high impact. There may not be a physiotherapist prevention plan for this one (aside from wearing a helmet), but Marv certainly needs to visit a physiotherapist with specialization in neurological and psychosomatic disorders, who can effectively treat his traumatic concussion.
III. Compromised Gait from Foot Injury
The most wince-worthy Home Alone injury is when Marv steps on a nail while climbing the stairs. Ouch! It’s an acute injury, but one that could lead to a chronic problem later in life. You see, while healing, Marv would need to alter his manner of walking (his gait) which over time could be habitual. Eventually his poorly adjusted gait will cause complications. Not only may he experience constant foot pain, his abnormal gait can cause back pain and aggravate pre-existing back pain, among other issues. To keep this from happening, Marv should visit a physiotherapy clinic that offers gait analysis and can prescribe custom foot orthotics.
IV. Multiple Musculoskeletal Injuries from Landing on Car
in Home Alone 2 : Lost in New York, Kevin lures Harry and Marv onto a makeshift seesaw, which ultimately results in Marv catapulting Harry into the air, which lands him smack dab on the roof of a parked vehicle, collapsing the roof upon impact. The impact from this would render Harry a similar “collection” of musculoskeletal injuries as he would have sustained in a motor-vehicle accident (MVA). Logically, Harry would need to schedule a consultation with a chiropractor specializing in ICBC claims. And given that his caper landed him without the cash he had hoped for, he would need to find one that offers direct billing for valid ICBC claims.
V. PTSD from a Very Rough Night
Lastly, Harry (and Marv) will surely experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after the nights they experienced in Home Alone and Home Alone 2. What they (and most people) don’t realize, is that a truly full-service physiotherapy clinic offers clinical counseling. This essential service can help with their PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental and behavioral health concerns they experienced after the traumatizing ordeals they have suffered at the hands of Kevin McCallister.
If your Holiday season deals similar blows to what Harry and Marv go through in any of the Home Alone movies, be sure to contact a physiotherapist right away. If located in the Greater Vancouver area, schedule an appointment at our Burnaby BC clinic before the year comes to an end.