Be safe on the Slopes!
The ski season is upon us with promising looking snow falls in Europe!
Most people believe that ski injuries happen on the first day, but Stuart Bennett DC, who is also a keen skier himself, says, “After three days of skiing and using unaccustomed muscles, skiers become confident but are physically tired and their capability isn’t necessarily matched to their confidence, this is when an injury is most likely to occur”.
For those of you thrills seekers about to venture out onto the slopes this season,here is some great advice on pre ski fitness and also some safety tips for the slopes, from the British Chiropractic Association:
Pre-Ski fitness tips:
• Don’t just sit there – Exercising through squats, sit ups and cycling is also good to tease the right muscles.
• It’s a balancing act – Balance is the single most important factor in skiing. Use a wobble board to improve balance and build up ankle muscles. For a thorough ankle work-out, rocking heel to toe is good for snowboarders and left to right is best for skiers.
• Jump around – Use a mini trampoline to work all those ‘skiing’ muscles.
• Roll with it – Roller blading is perfect practice and will help you develop a good ski posture, so you look like a pro on the slopes.
• Check it out – Most skiers find turning one way easier than the other. Poor technique might not be the problem, so talk to a chiropractor for advice.Out on the slopes:
• Hot and Cold – Warm up before strenuous skiing. Start off gently rather than heading first for the black runs and round the day off with a stretch.
• Take plenty of breaks – Overexertion will ruin your holiday – moderate the length of skiing time and listen to your body. Pain is a warning sign, don’t ignore it.
• Liquid lunch – Drink plenty of water and isotonic drinks to avoid dehydration and stay clear of alcohol, tea and coffee.
• Wrap up – Make sure clothing is warm and adequate for the cold weather and don’t forget hat and gloves.
• Put the boot in – No matter how many lessons, skiers won’t improve without the right boots and this is where most skiers put their first foot wrong. Skiers often choose on comfort alone – don’t make this mistake. Get a moulded footbed from the ski shop first as this improves fit, comfort and ski control. Opt for a shop with a wide range of boots so you are spoilt for choice.
• What a bind – If you are prone to going ‘knock-kneed’ when you ski, look out for lateral alignment. Wedges expertly placed under the binding can make a huge difference.
• Carry on – Always be careful when carrying skis/boards. Leave them standing upright so you don’t have to bend to pick them up. Carry them over your shoulder, swapping shoulders regularly.
• Ice is nice – With an acute injury, use ice rather than heat.
• Tread carefully – A great deal of people are injured by slipping on ice at the ski resort, not just on the slopes. Wear shoes with a deep treaded sole and use strap-on studs for ski boots to help keep you upright.
Stuart adds: “Prevention is still better than cure and these tips can help you avoid injuries ”.
Have fun, stay safe and don’t forget to make an appointment for a pre ski adjustment!
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