Below you will get tips on how to survive winter without injuries or the best ways to prevent them. Also included are some proper shovelling techniques as shovelling injuries are very common.
The Canadian Winter
With winter in full blown effect and lots of snow coming down in many different cities in Canada, we just wanted to share how to avoid some of the most common injuries and get through the winter injury free!
People often forget about winter injuries as the seasons change. Freezing temperatures can decrease blood flow to the muscles, causing them to tighten up and limit our range of motion. This increases the risk of injury in slippery conditions. But with some preparation and common sense, you can avoid these common winter injuries.
Slips and Falls
Slipping and falling can cause injuries to people of all ages, including fractures and broken bones. Older people with brittle bones are in more danger.
Remember to remove snow from your walkways, and salt or spread sand on icy surfaces. Wear appropriate footwear for winter weather, and when you go outside avoid patches of ice instead of trying to cross them.
Head Trauma
Slipping and striking your head on a hard surface can lead to traumatic brain injury. We’ve heard experts say that wearing a good old Toque can not only keep you warm but actually protects our heads and can cushion the impact from a fall. Now if you’re not Canadian and have no idea what a Toque is, you may call it Beanie or just a hat
Sprains, Strains & Heart Attacks
Now we all know that any activity can have unexpected consequences with the combination of extreme cold and icy conditions. One of the most common winter chores, shovelling snow can frequently lead to back strains.
The most common strains from winter activities affect the back, neck, shoulders, knees, arms, and wrists.
Dr. Rakhlin, MD, FACS, Trauma Program Medical Director at Montefiore Nyack Hospital explains that “Shoveling snow is one of the most strenuous activities you can do.”
And “It’s often done by people who haven’t exercised the entire year, and then they decide to shovel the entire driveway in one hour. That causes a significant stress on the heart & body”
So we recommend to do some light warm-up or stretching exercises beforehand. When shoveling, don’t work longer or pick up more than you’re comfortable with. Even in winter activity, you should keep hydrated and give yourself a break occasionally.
Advanced Tips for Wrists and Elbows
When we fall, we naturally try to catch ourselves with our hands. But this often leads to sprained wrists and elbows, sometimes even broken bones.
It’s even more difficult to maintain control if you’re carrying something like a groceries or a shovel. To avoid these injuries, try to remember, or even practice, falling onto your forearms to avoid stress on more delicate bones.
Professional athletes literally hire a specialist to practice falling gracefully.
Wrist guards can also help, and if you’re engaged in athletics or feel vulnerable to falls you can even go as far as to wearing elbow pads.
This article is by TapeGeeks.com
(KT Taping products & how to tape)
Need to loosen up your muscles and prevent strains.. or recover from a winter injury.. Book A Massage
