Winter is a season when many individuals experience health issues that can make everyday life rough. Whether it is a cold, flu, or a skiing injury, many people will find their overall health compromised at some point during winter.
Thankfully, chiropractic care can help keep you healthy during winter. Paying a visit to your chiropractor during the cold season can help reduce, if not prevent, health problems as well as keep you feeling your best.

As with any sporting activity, things will, at times, go wrong. However, by preparing properly, using sensible equipment, using common sense and skiing within your limits, the chances of something happening can be greatly reduced. Skiing can therefore be memorable for the spectacular views and not the nasty injuries.

Prevention is best!

Beginners who ski and play other winter sports can develop musculoskeletal injuries. If you injure yourself after playing a winter sport, seek help from your chiropractor.

Rebuilding your coordination and strength with proper chiropractic care is possible. Additionally, your chiropractor will help you recover faster to allow you to resume your activities throughout the winter. Skiing requires fitness. Lower leg strength, core stability and cardiovascular fitness are all vitally important. Injuries commonly to the knees, ankles and low back, generally as a result of strains (to the muscles or ligaments) and sprains (to the joints), can be reduced by being fitter in the aforementioned areas.

Minimise your risk of Injury on the slopes

Exercise

Forms of exercises that will help set you up for your winter trip:

• Squats / Step up machines for leg strength and endurance
• Wobble boards and Rocker boards to help improve balance
• Swimming for all over muscular strength and endurance (be careful of breast stroke)
• Cardiovascular training such as cycling, walking and running

For something a little different try rollerblading. This can help to develop a good ski posture.

Balance

Balance is the single most important factor in skiing. Back and neck pain have a profound influence on the body’s ability to control balance. If you have noticed that your balance and equilibrium are not as good as they used to be book an appointment with your Chiropractor for an assessment. Simple exercises can make a drastic difference.

Our top tips for when you are on the slopes..

Footwear and Clothing

Wear warm, comfortable and waterproof clothing and footwear. More layers are better than big bulky clothing.

Take plenty of breaks

Over-exertion will lead to loss of concentration. This puts you at an increased risk of having a fall, which could prove costly and ruin your holiday. Be sensible and ski within your capability. Always listen to your body and build up gradually.

Hydration is very important

Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol to avoid dehydration when out at high altitude. Dehydration has numerous negative effects, increasing risk of muscle injury and falls.

Always remember to warm up, cool down and build up gradually.
Most importantly Don’t forget to have your chiropractic appointment booked for when you are home