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SKI ING & SNOWBOARDING INJURY PREVENTION
We’re right in the thick of ski and snowboard season, and at Manual Edge Physiotherapy, we know this is an exciting time for many of our patients who love outdoor sports. Skiing and snowboarding are both great ways to get some serious exercise and enjoy the great outdoors – all while getting that adrenaline rush! Manual Edge Physiotherapy wants to make sure our patients are safe while participating in their snowy sports and hobbies this season. Contact our clinic today to find out how you can stay as physically fit and safe as possible as you’re gliding down that mountain! TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE AND PREVENTING INJURIES 1. Improve your balance and technique to prevent sore muscles. High-level skiing and snowboarding require intense, heavy use of the foot and ankle. When it comes to improving your performance with your edging and balancing movements, you must be acutely aware that your foot and ankle are responsible for transferring your weight from the inside to the outside edge of the ski/snowboard and back. This also includes sensing and adjusting your balance over the center of the skis or your snowboard. The efficiency of the foot and ankle as it tips from the big to little toe balances your “center of mass” (also known as your body weight) and decreases the stress put on your hip and thigh muscles.
This technique will improve the more you practice, but it is important to make sure that you are practicing the correct technique from the
start or else your muscles may become overworked! 2. Wear properly fitting ski/snowboarding shoes.
Balance, alignment, and the ability to articulate the ankle in your boots have profound effects on your performance and endurance. How your ski/snowboard boots fit is directly responsible for fine edge engagement and balance. You shouldn’t wear ill-fitting shoes during your normal everyday activities, and the same is true when applied to sports. You must wear properly fitting boots when skiing and snowboarding if you want to decrease your risk of injury. Even if the fit of your boot is only off by a small bit, it can change your performance by a lot! You may have to work harder to stay balanced and aligned, which can lead to overuse of the knee, hip, and trunk muscles. This can also lead to inefficient compensatory movements. If you are unsure about the correct fit of your ski or snowboard boots, our physical therapists at Manual Edge Physiotherapy would be happy to do an assessment for you. (Continued inside) If you are interested in coming back to physical therapy, or have any questions about how direct access works, our physical therapists would be more than happy to meet with you for a consultation to discuss how they can help. Call us today to talk to an expert about how we can help you recover!
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