Prevent Ski Injuries and Enjoy the Slopes

Prevent Ski Injuries and Enjoy the Slopes

Prevent Ski Injuries and Enjoy the Slopes

Muscle and joint injuries, often referred to as musculoskeletal injuries, are a common occurrence on the slopes. Chiropractic care can play a crucial role in the recovery and rehabilitation process for these injuries, and there are also a number of steps that can be taken to prevent them from occurring in the first place. To help you enjoy the slopes this ski season, your chiropractor is here to help.

Common Ski Injuries

The most common musculoskeletal ski injuries are sprains, strains, and fractures. Sprains occur when the ligaments that connect bones are stretched or torn, while strains involve the muscles or tendons being stretched or torn. Fractures, or broken bones, can occur as a result of a fall or collision on the slopes.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons shares that “A wide range of injuries occur in snow skiing. Knee injuries are very common, particularly injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament. Because skiers frequently put their arms out to break a fall, shoulder injuries — such as dislocations and sprains — often occur. Fractures around the shoulder and lower leg are common. Skiers who fall on an outstretched hand while holding a ski pole can get a “skier’s thumb.” Head injuries, such as whiplash or concussion also occur in skiing and can be especially serious.”

What Can Be Done to Prevent Ski Injuries

Many steps can be taken to prevent ski injuries from occurring in the first place. Some of the most effective strategies include:

 Wearing proper protective equipment

Wearing a properly fitted helmet and protective padding can help to reduce the risk of head and body injuries.

Stay strong and flexible

Maintaining good physical fitness can help to improve balance and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls and injuries on the slopes.

Warming up before skiing

Warming up your muscles before hitting the slopes can help to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of muscle strains. Some light jogging in place, calisthenics, and taking the necessary time to prep your body for more physically taxing activities can help you reduce the risk of preventable injuries.

Taking breaks

Taking regular breaks to rest, refuel and stretch can help to prevent fatigue.

Don’t Forget – Regular Chiropractic Visits

Make sure that your body is prepared for the physical activity that is involved in skiing, as it can take quite a toll! Stay ahead of any injuries by visiting your chiropractor regularly. Injury prevention is a cornerstone of chiropractic care. Working with your chiropractor on a regular basis to maintain function and mobility that will not only help in preventing injuries, but aid in the recovery from an injury shall it occur.

Chiropractic Care Following a Ski Injury

Suffering an injury on the slopes is the bad news. The good news is that as musculoskeletal experts, your chiropractor knows how to help you. From reducing pain and inflammation to starting on the road to function and mobility recovery, you will be in excellent hands when you partner with a chiropractor. Often times a ski injury will require physical therapy as well. In that case, you could not be in better hands! The great news is that almost all of our clinic locations offer physical therapy on site as well through our sister company, Bay State Physical Therapy. Your chiropractor and physical therapist will work together to help get you reach your goals.

What to Expect During Chiropractic Care

Following a thorough evaluation of your injury and medical history, your chiropractor will provide you with an overview of what the evaluation revealed and what your care plan will include. This will involve a variety of services and a walk through of what your recovery plan will looks like, but together you will work toward your goals of regaining function and, most likely, hitting the slopes again.

Some of the services you might receive could include:

Once you have regained mobility and function, you will know you’ve done the work now to resolve your injury and have the tools to stay safe, strong, and mobile in the future.

Stay Safe with Help from Your Chiropractor

Regardless of your age or ability on the slopes, ski injuries can occur. Working with a chiropractor to prevent or recover from injuries can help you make the most of the ski season. To learn more about our chiropractic care services, either for injury prevention or following an injury, contact your nearest MCR Chiropractic clinic or complete the form below to request an evaluation.

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