Despite experiencing a milder start to winter this year, it’s still important to prioritize safety and wellness throughout the season.
Winter comes with its own set of challenges, including navigating icy conditions, managing snow removal, and maintaining physical activity in the cold.
Read on for valuable tips to help you stay safe and healthy during the winter months.
Navigating Icy Conditions Safely
Icy conditions significantly increase the risk of falls, leading to injuries like sprains and fractures. To reduce these risks, adopt “penguin walking” techniques, maintaining your center of gravity over your front leg. Additionally, choosing footwear with good traction is crucial for preventing slips and falls on ice.
Safe Snow Shoveling Techniques
Shoveling snow can lead to injury if not done correctly. Use proper body mechanics by bending at the hips and knees, keeping your back straight, and lifting with your legs. Break up the shoveling task into smaller segments and consider using an adaptive shovel to manage the workload. Don’t forget to warm up your muscles before shoveling to prevent strains.
Managing Cold-Induced Joint Pain
Cold weather can exacerbate joint pain, particularly for those with arthritis. To manage this, keep your joints warm with appropriate clothing and consider using heat therapy. Gentle exercises, such as swimming or yoga, are excellent for maintaining mobility and reducing stiffness in the joints.
Indoor Exercise Alternatives
Maintaining a fitness routine is crucial, even in colder months. Engage in home-based exercises like resistance band workouts, yoga, or pilates. These activities are not only safe and effective but also help maintain strength and balance, which are essential for preventing injuries.
Rehabilitation After Winter Injuries
Winter often brings common injuries such as sprains from slips or falls and winter sports-related issues. Recovery can be aided by physical and occupational therapy, which improves mobility, strength, balance, and provides pain management strategies.
Struggling with a winter-related injury?
Let our Physical and Occupational Therapists create a personalized plan that gets you back to feeling and moving without pain.
Treatment is covered by insurance, no referral is needed to start, and with flexible virtual and in-clinic appointments available, you can find a time that works with your schedule.
Click the button below to get started.