Hitting the slopes this season? Winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, are physically demanding on our bodies. While we hope you all stay safe out on the mountain, moving at high speeds in unknown conditions can lead to some serious injuries. This month we want to discuss some of the common skiing and snowboarding injuries, and their respective physical therapy treatments. Read more about these injuries and treatments below.

• Upper Body Injuries

  • Shoulder Dislocation/Fractures/Separations

    • Physical Therapy Treatment

      • Exercises to increase range of motion and strengthening exercises using resistance bands

      • Icing the sore area and resting it for a period of time to allow the injury the time required to heal

  • Spinal Injuries

    • Physical Therapy Treatment

      • Rest to give the spine time to heal and recover

      • Core exercises to help strengthen the opposing muscles of the back

      • Heat and ice the back to reduce swelling

      • Massage and joint manipulation to help reduce pain and stiffness from the injury

• • Wrist, Thumb or Hand Injuries

    • Physical Therapy Treatment

      • Exercises to help strengthen the wrist

      • Moving fingers and wrist to keep the joints from becoming stiff and to help reduce swelling

      • Avoid activities with fall risks or that require heavy use of the wrist

• Lower Body Injuries

  • Knee – Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)

    • Physical Therapy Treatment

      • Balance exercises to help strengthen the lower body

      • Hands-on treatment to help the joints from becoming stiff

      • Exercises to improve range of motion such as stretching

      • Icing the sore area and resting it for a period of time to allow the injury the time required to heal

  • Ankle Fracture or Sprain

    • Physical Therapy Treatment

      • Exercises to help strengthen the ankle

      • Elevating the ankle to help alleviate swelling

      • Icing the sore area and resting it for a period of time to allow the injury the time required to heal

Call Lattimore Physical Therapy Sports and Rehabilitation at 1-800-PTROCHS to see how we can help you!