Are you a winter sports enthusiast? While skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating can be exhilarating, they can also be risky. From sprains to fractures, winter sports injuries are common. Fortunately, physical therapy can help you recover and prevent future injuries.
At the core of physical therapy is exercise, which can improve your strength, balance, and flexibility. Your physical therapist will design a customized exercise program targeting your needs and goals. This program may include stretches, resistance training, and balance exercises. Following your program can improve your overall fitness and reduce your risk of injury. In addition to exercise, your physical therapist can also use manual therapy techniques to help you recover from injuries. These techniques can include deep tissue massage, joint mobilization, and dry needling. Manual therapy can help reduce pain, improve muscle function, and speed healing. Your physical therapist can help you prevent future injuries by teaching you proper body mechanics and injury-prevention strategies. This may include advice on equipment selection and fit and information on how to warm up and cool down properly. It is essential to understand that physical therapy is not just for people who have suffered injuries. It can be an effective way to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. By working with a physical therapist, you can identify areas of weakness or imbalance in your body and address them before they become a problem.

Overall, physical therapy is an essential tool for winter sports enthusiasts. Whether recovering from an injury or looking to prevent one, your physical therapist can help you stay safe and strong on the slopes and ice rinks. So, get out there and enjoy the winter wonderland, but remember to take care of your body!

*Note that winter sports injuries can be severe, and the numbers are concerning. According to the National Ski Areas Association, 47 skiing and snowboarding fatalities were in the United States during the 2019-2020 ski season. Additionally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over 200,000 injuries related to winter sports during the same season. While we don’t want to discourage anyone from enjoying their favorite winter sports, we would like you to prioritize safety and be prepared in case of an accident.

Cray Physical Therapy offers treatments, management, and general information for several types of pain related to work, sports, or everyday living injuries. Give us a call at 339-987-4856 so we can help you get on the road to recovery!