SOS Physiotherapy: 3 Easy Steps to Healthy Knees

SNOW SHOVELING 1 01

When the driveway is coated in a thick blanket of snow and its time to get that shovel out, take some time to read these safety snow shoveling tips to help avoid any potential injuries. • Keep your feet hip-width apart. • Bend your knees and keep your back straight. • Try not to twist your torso when lifting snow. • Shovel small amounts of snow at a time. • Don’t throw the snow into a pile; instead walk it over to where you want to pile Remember when chipping that dreaded ice off your car to keep those arm below shoulder level. The higher you go the higher your risk is for developing shoulder pain!!

Snow shoveling can lead to a number of health risks for many people, from back injuries to heart attacks. The following tips can help keep you safer when you set out to shovel: Warm up. Warm your muscles before heading out to shovel by doing some light movements to get your body ready, such as bending side to side and walking in place. You are more likely to injure yourself with “cold” muscles. Push rather than lift. Pushing the snow with the shovel instead of lifting can help reduce the strain on your body. Good Posture. When lifting is required be sure to bend at the hips and knees with your chest out. Place the snow instead of twisting and tossing. Lighten your load. Consider shoveling multiple times during a long snowfall and using a lighter shovel. You should also shovel right after a snowfall because waiting may allow the snow to melt slightly and become heavier.

Belmont Clinic Belmont Professional Centre 564 Belmont Avenue West, Suite 301 Kitchener, Ontario N2M 5N6 TEL: (519) 743-4355

Elmira Clinic Behind Wellness Centre (Clock Tower) 3 Wyatt Street East, Suite 2 Elmira, Ontario N3B 2H4 TEL: (519) 669-1212

Northfield Clinic (**Opening February 2020**) Waterloo Corporate Campus (Sobeys Plaza)

5B-595 Parkside Drive Waterloo, ON N2L 0C7 TEL: (226) 476-1600

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