10 Dec Want to Beat Winter Injury? Try These Tips
Although winter is a time to celebrate holidays with family and friends, slow down and relax, and maybe catch up on some good books or movies, it also carries injury risks. Between the cold and weather conditions, you may be at a higher risk for some common injuries once the temperatures drop. Here’s how to help protect yourself from common winter woes.
Common Winter Injuries:
Bruises
Concussion
Sprains, strains, muscle pulls
Broken bones
Back pain
Due to bad weather, poor visibility, ice or slick surfaces, you can find yourself slipping and sliding down a sidewalk, falling more easily, or even getting into a car accident on dangerous roadways. If you exercise outdoors, you may find that you skip your regular warm-up – which can lead to tighter muscles and a higher risk of injury. Shoveling snow is another common reason that people deal with injury every winter! 
How to Help Prevent Winter Injury:
De-ice any regular walkways near your home/work.
Be sure you have full visibility (scraping/de-icing) in your vehicle before driving.
Wear shoes with more aggressive tread; if you regularly walk outdoors, invest in ice tracks that slip over your walking shoes. If you wear dress shoes to work, wear more practical shoes until you’re indoors.
Warm up and stretch before your outdoor work out, also allow time for a cool down.
Prepare for shoveling snow as if you were going to work out. See our tips here.
Stay hydrated regardless of temperature.
Take shorter steps and shorten your stride.
Allow plenty of drive time in poor weather conditions; if possible, avoid travel.
Despite the best efforts, you may still find yourself bitten by the injury bug. If you’re dealing with injury, pain, or limitations in the musculoskeletal system, Body One Physical Therapy is ready to get you back to feeling your best. We’re locally-owned and operated, with three locations serving Central Indiana: North Indianapolis, Fishers, and Zionsville. Our team of caring, expert physical therapists works with clients of all ages and activity levels – and we’d love to add you to our list of happy clients. Call today for your appointment!
