Injuries in the Winter season

 


Have you started to feel the joy of this season? Despite the pandemic, I am sure Santa will be so happy to delivery the presents with the mask on!  Amidst the lockdown in Toronto and Peel Region, We are so honoured to have your trust to stay open and serve you when you have pain.  

In this blog, we are going to talk about different injuries that happen more in the winter season and how we can prevent them from happening:

1. slip and fall on the ice 

    - good lighting when possible; if not, test the surface while holding onto something

    - take it slow and slide along the ground

    - wear boots with good grit

    - use pointy walking sticks when necessary

2. shoveling injuries 

    - choose an ergonomic shovel

    - always bend the knees and avoid twisting the spine with good body biomechanics

    - always engage the core muscles (chin in, shoulder blades back and abdominal muscles tight)

    - push the snow instead of lift

    - plan ahead where to shovel first and where to shovel next to eliminate unnecessary shoveling repetitions

3. winter sports injuries

    - check the equipment to make sure it is in good condition

    - check the environment to make sure it is safe 

    - always warm up and cool down properly

    - condition your muscles with regular stretching and strengthening exercises along with cardiovascular conditioning 

    - take it slow when muscles are not properly conditioned prior to sports

When injuries happen, they could cause pain and inflammation in different areas of our body.  Spinal injuries, shoulder and ankle injuries are the most common we would see in our practice during the winter.  We always say prevention trumps intervention.  It is always best to look at the surroundings around ourselves and to have proper tools, like ergonomic shovels and good boots, and to have good posture during activities to prevent injuries.  However, should anyone get hurt, physiotherapists are here to help to make sure you do not need any further medical attention.  We would rule out fracture or tissue tear or any serious nerve damage.  We will help to reduce your symptoms, to help you to heal faster and better.  We will also help you to get stronger and get back to your normal function as soon as possible.    


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