Winter sports are fun and exhilarating for many skiers and snowboarders. However, injuries from snow sports can be traumatic due to falls, collisions, and lift accidents. In this post, we’ll detail the most common skiing and snowboarding injuries. We’ll also talk about preventive care and let you know how chiropractic care can help you recover from injury.
Common Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries
Both skiing and snowboarding require high levels of balance, strength, and flexibility. During or after skiing or snowboarding, you may experience one or more of these common injuries that can benefit from chiropractic care.
Neck injuries
If you experience a sudden twist or strain in your neck while skiing or snowboarding, you may feel pain and stiffness that persists.
Knee injuries
The twisting, turning, and side-to-side motion of these snow sports can take a heavy toll on knees. You may notice pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion if you have a knee injury.
Dislocations
Your joints are often moving in different ways from normal when skiing. You may notice pain, stiffness, and lack of ability to move normally in your hips or shoulders.
Rotator cuff injuries
If you have trouble raising your arm to the side or above your head and experience a dull or increasing ache in your shoulder, you may have a rotator cuff injury.
Sprains
It’s common to experience strains after skiing or snowboarding because ligaments can be moved in different directions than normal. Sprains can cause tenderness, swelling, and pain.
Injury Prevention for Skiers and Snowboarders
Skiers and snowboarders have a higher risk of injury under the following conditions:
- Dehydration
- Lack of rest between active periods
- Faulty or improper equipment
- Pushing yourself too far beyond your ability
- Not taking enough time to adjust to higher altitudes
It pays to be prepared before you ski or snowboard. Here are several ways you can prevent injury and still enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
How Chiropractic Care Helps You Heal from Skiing or Snowboarding Injuries
First, you should treat your injuries with rest, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, elevation, and bracing. Next, you should make a chiropractic appointment to resolve any ongoing problems and prevent scar tissue from forming.
Chiropractic care can help your skiing and snowboarding injuries in the following ways:
Adjustments
This chiropractic treatment will reduce muscle spasms, pain, and inflammation. Your chiropractor can gently adjust your slipped joints. This manipulation will shift your joints forward or backward as needed. Adjusting the neck and upper back can also help you recover from injury.