Chiropractic Care for Snow Sports
By Paul Rothbart
Summer is a great time for many people, including me. But there are others who count the days until the first snow. There are those who thrill to sliding down a snow-covered slope at high speed. Skiing and snowboarding are two popular sports. They can take quite a toll on the body. There are a number of injuries associated with snow sports. As exhilarating as they can be, they often cause aches and pains. Seeing a chiropractor regularly can be helpful to those who like to challenge the mountain.
Injuries Common to Snow Sports
To enjoy snow sports, one needs excellent balance, flexibility, and strength. No matter how accomplished a skier or snowboarder you are, there are injuries common to these sports. The knees are a central balance point and they twist and contract and extend to help you stay upright. This can place considerable strain on them. Ankles also help with balance and experience stress. Sprains to either of these joints are common. The neck is another area that is commonly injured. Rotator cuff injuries and dislocations occur fairly frequently as well. Preventative measures are just as important as treating these injuries when they occur.
Prevention
There are measures that can be taken to help prevent injury. Stretching before any physical activity is important and snow sports are no different. Make sure you are limber and warmed up before heading down the slope. Dehydration can increase the risk of injury, so drink plenty of water. High-quality equipment in good shape is vital. This includes safety gear such as helmets, gloves, and pads, as well as skis, poles, and boards. Pushing beyond your current abilities can also increase the risk of injury. Have fun, but play safe.
The Role of Chiropractic Care
Seeing a chiropractor regularly can be very helpful in avoiding injury. Adjustments to the spine and joints can rid them of subluxations. Flexibility and range of motion may become optimized. This can help with balance and making the many corrections required to steer down a slope. Adjustments to the neck can help prevent headaches due to tension. This can improve concentration, which is important when you're flying down a hill at high speed. Relief of muscle soreness can also help.
Skiing and snowboarding are fun and challenging activities. They are also potentially dangerous with a risk of injury. Be smart and stay safe. Consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. No appointment is needed. You may find that regular treatments with a chiropractor minimize your injury risk and keep you in action.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Reno, Nev.