Lafayette Mardi Gras Parade Survival Guide: How to Walk, Stand, and Celebrate Without Pain
- Dr. Patrick Thompson, DPT, OCS, Dip. Osteopractic, FAAOMPT
- Jan 29
- 4 min read
It’s finally here!! Mardi Gras Time! Carnival Season! Laissez les bons temps rouler! Lafayette Mardi Gras Season is finally here and we can already hear the music and feel the energy exuding from the parade route.
This is a time for good vibes with your family, friends, and entire community - so don’t let your pesky low back pain or old injury keep your spirits down.
We focus on the parties, parades, and the positivity of Mardi Gras (which we should always highlight), but we can forget that Mardi Gras oftentimes comes with long hours of standing, looking up at floats (hello neck pain), walking miles to the perfect spot to catch the parade, and questionable fashion/shoe choices.
And remember, you are supposed to thrive throughout the Carnival season! Not just survive it!
So let’s look at a few practical tips that you can implement this Mardi Gras Season so you can catch all the parades throughout Acadiana!
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Despite Mardi Gras being a community/family oriented event, it would be naive to think that many parade goers don’t indulge in an alcoholic beverage. Because of this, it is important to note that, even when safely consuming alcohol (in accordance with the law, of course), your body can dehydrate quicker than you are accustomed to. Dehydration can lead to unforeseen aches, pains, and inflammatory responses within the body - and simply drinking water throughout the day will help you remain hydrated, while simultaneously limiting the negative effects that alcohol has on the body.
In addition to the inflammatory effect that alcohol can have on your joints/muscles, poor nutritional choices over the entire Carnival season can also increase gut inflammation - which can directly lead to increased systemic inflammation.
I am not preaching to not enjoy a piece of King Cake - rather, I am promoting both a healthy balance and moderation throughout this Carnival Season.
Mobility Exercises before heading to the parade route
Performing hip and/or spinal mobility drills - such as shin boxes, open books, cat/cow, etc - can prepare the body for a great day on the parade route.
Note - This is not an exercise prescription and if you are already dealing with an injury/pain, consult your PT/MD for exercise guidance
Flexibility/Stretches during and when you get home from the parade.
Muscles are susceptible to tightness and fatigue with sudden overuse or new activities. Don’t underestimate the benefit of stretches throughout the day to mitigate days of soreness - which can quickly progress to issues such as tendonitis and even plantar fasciitis.
Pro tip - gentle/sustained calf stretches after the parade can save days of foot, heel, and calf pain.
Proper Shoes/Bring a change of shoes for the walk
I, personally, don’t have great fashion taste, I know many parade-goers wear stylish and/or custom Mardi Gras shoes. And while these shoes are perfect for expressing Mardi Gras spirit, they may not be the best shoes for walking and hours of standing. So if you are anticipating a long walk to your spot, wear the correct shoe for the walk, and you can change into your perfect Carnival Kicks for the actual parade.
Bring your favorite lawn chair to take breaks from constant standing.
Many people already have this tip mastered, but it can serve as a reminder for people with back pain or stiffness. Bring a comfortable lawn chair that will allow you to take breaks throughout the day.
Bring a wagon for your kiddos - even if they “Don’t want the wagon.”
I can hear it now from my son - “I don’t want to sit in a wagon!” … but I think it is safe to assume, they will eventually grow tired of walking and the options will be either endlessly holding your kiddo or - the wagon. So if your little ones are tagging along, bring the wagon whether they want to ride in it during the walk to the parade or not, because you don’t want to be suddenly caught carrying them from the parade back to the car.
Neck Pain? Stand farther back in the crowd to limit the need to look up at the floats.
“Throw me something, Mister!” is usually accompanied with looking up and arms extending overhead - which anyone who is struggling with neck pain knows may not be the best position. So, despite being close to the floats being more fun, you can save your next few days by standing farther back so you can keep your neck in a better posture.
The above small adjustments can make a big impact - especially if you are already struggling with flare ups from neck pain, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, or low back pain.
And, of course, this sudden increase in activity can be expected to cause expected soreness and does not usually warrant concern; however, if pain (even soreness) persists for days after the parade, then it may require a closer look.
Additionally, if you have a history of a certain injury, and you feel those specific symptoms return and persist after the parade - then take it as a reminder that it may be time to address your nagging injury/symptoms.
And lastly, if your soreness is simply interfering with your ability to enjoy Mardi Gras season and you find yourself skipping parades altogether due to the fear of increased pain, then it’s time to take control of your symptoms so you can increase those SPD (Smiles per day).
Click the link below for more information about how working with us at Flow Physical Therapy in Lafayette can address your injury or chronic pain - and save your Mardi Gras Season!
Stay safe, enjoy the parades, and, as always, Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Dr. Patrick Thompson, PT, DPT, OCS, Dip. Osteopractic, FAAOMPT
Owner of Flow Physical Therapy and Wellness
337-366-1703
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