Winter is coming, and with it, the occasional slip and fall accident. Even the most sprightly among us aren’t immune to hidden patches of ice!
Falling can lead to all kinds of injuries, from a sore back to more serious fractures or sprains. Luckily, there are many simple tips you can apply to ensure you don’t get hurt. Simply read our guide for injury prevention to ensure you stay healthy and safe this winter!
Tip #1: Stay Warm
Of course, the best tip you can get for the winter season is wearing warm clothes to avoid hypothermia and frostbite. Layer up with long johns, jeans, sweaters, scarves, and a thick winter coat!
Cold temperature exposure can numb your senses and leave you susceptible to falls. Moreover, cool weather stiffens and contracts your muscles, making them vulnerable to pulls, strains, and tears.
Another tip is to invest a few minutes into a warm-up stretch before going out for a walk or shovelling snow; this will boost your blood circulation and reduce the risk for a severe injury even if you fall.
Tip #2: Apply Proper Shovelling Techniques
Shovelling snow is an inevitable part of the season. However, in our race to finish this tedious chore, many of us end up putting ourselves at risk for injury.
To start, never shovel after eating, smoking, or consuming caffeinated beverages—these things elevate your blood pressure and heart rate, and any added exertion will put you at risk for cardiovascular events.
Always stretch beforehand and wear appropriate clothing. Put on shoes that come with extra protection against slippery and snowy conditions. Grip your shovel near the blade and keep your hands apart to improve leverage.
Try to push snow rather than throw it aside. When you do have to scoop it up, bend your knees and lift with your legs to reduce strain on your back. It’s furthermore crucial to take regular breaks and drink lots of water. As much as we all want to, we can’t rush through this chore!
Tip #3: Use the Best Practices to Prevent Slips and Falls
Before stepping outside, check the weather for any ice warnings. When out and about, always walk cautiously and keep your hands outside of your pockets to maintain balance when needed.
Keep your stride short and avoid running at all costs—you never know what’s beneath your feet. Try to stay aware of the surfaces in front of you, especially in the case of black ice. Also, use special care when getting out of your car.
Of course, injuries can still happen. It’s simple enough to achieve pain relief with a heating pad or ice pack, but what if after a few weeks you can’t seem to get rid of that sore back? In cases of chronic pain following a slip and fall accident, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and physiotherapy all provide effective solutions for any problems you may have.
Book Your Next Appointment With Us Today!
Injuries are exceedingly common during the winter. Getting away with a sore back from shovelling is one thing, but fractures can potentially confine us to the recovery bed for the whole season.
If you’re experiencing any aches and pains, the team at Body Science Therapy in Mississauga is here to help. Located in Mississauga, we offer a wide range of services, including physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and functional medicine.
If you want to know more about our services and the many ways they can benefit you, call us at (647)-370-5374 or book an appointment online.
