A wide range of injuries can occur in snow skiing or snowboarding. Knee injuries are the most common. Shoulder injuries such as dislocations and sprains are common as well because skiers frequently put their arms out to break a fall. Head injuries and back pain can also occur in skiing, and can be especially serious.
Here are some tips for avoiding injury:
Maintain fitness. Be sure you are in good physical condition before you start the season. If you are out of shape, select runs that are less challenging to start and gradually build your way up to more challenging trails.
Many ski injuries happen at the end of the day, when people overexert themselves to finish that one last run before the day's end. A majority of these injuries can easily be prevented if you prepare by keeping in good physical condition and stopping when you are tired or in pain.
Warm up. Research studies have shown that cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warm up with jumping jacks, running or walking in place for 3 to 5 minutes. Take a couple of slow ski runs to complete your warm up.
We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable ski season. Remember if you are injured or have back pain during or after your day on the slopes, don't wait to be treated. The Joint - Sugarhouse is conveniently located off of I-80; our Salt Lake City chiropractors are here seven days a week and no appointment is needed.
-Dr. Sean Smith
Proper Preparation
Maintain fitness. Be sure you are in good physical condition before you start the season. If you are out of shape, select runs that are less challenging to start and gradually build your way up to more challenging trails.
Many ski injuries happen at the end of the day, when people overexert themselves to finish that one last run before the day's end. A majority of these injuries can easily be prevented if you prepare by keeping in good physical condition and stopping when you are tired or in pain.
Warm up. Research studies have shown that cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warm up with jumping jacks, running or walking in place for 3 to 5 minutes. Take a couple of slow ski runs to complete your warm up.
- Hydrate. Even mild levels of dehydration can affect physical ability and endurance. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after skiing.
- Get Adjusted. Make sure that your spine is functioning at its best. Even small misalignment can cause you to lose some of you normal range of motion and reduce endurance. A regular spinal adjustment will help you to perform at your optimal level and reduce back pain.
- Ensure Appropriate Equipment
- Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature.
- Buy or rent boots and bindings that have been set, adjusted, maintained and tested by a ski shop that follows American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard job practices.
- Check the binding of each ski before skiing. The bindings must be properly adjusted to your height and weight.
- Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles and a helmet. Helmets are sport-specific, so do not wear a bike helmet on the slopes. Ski helmets should be worn.
- Ensure a Safe Environment
- Stay on marked trails and avoid potential avalanche areas such as steep hillsides with little vegetation.
- Watch out for rocks and patches of ice on the ski trails.
- Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature. Make adjustments for icy conditions, deep snow powder, and wet snow.
We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable ski season. Remember if you are injured or have back pain during or after your day on the slopes, don't wait to be treated. The Joint - Sugarhouse is conveniently located off of I-80; our Salt Lake City chiropractors are here seven days a week and no appointment is needed.
-Dr. Sean Smith
