(CNN) -- The activities of a bustling holiday season -- carrying gift-laden shopping bags, hanging strings of icicle lights on the eaves, shoveling snowy sidewalks -- can leave holiday revelers with a few aches, pains and strains.

"We typically see a substantial increase in the number of back, shoulder and neck injuries during the holiday season," said physical therapist William Boissonnault, president of American Physical Therapy Association's Orthopaedic Section.

"People who travel for the holidays are especially at risk. Lifting heavy suitcases, wresting with presents, and then sitting in a plane or car for hours can lead to serious back and neck pain."

To promote safety and mishap avoidance, the association has released a top ten list of precautions to prevent common holiday injuries.

The APTA notes that those who are not physically active year-round may overexert themselves during special activities (think hauling in the yearly evergreen tree). To gear up for holiday happenings, the association recommends weight control as one of the best measures to prevent against painful injury. It also promotes regular exercise, stretching and using common sense.