How Physiotherapy helps with Snow Shoveling Injuries
Shoveling snow can cause strain and injury to various parts of the body, including the back, shoulders, arms, and legs.
Understanding how to correctly shovel will help to prevent injuries.
Warming up before shoveling snow is important because it can help prepare your body for the physical activity and reduce the risk of injury. A warm-up can help increase blood flow to the muscles and joints, which can make them more pliable and less prone to injury.
A good warm-up before shoveling snow can include light cardiovascular activity, such as walking or jogging in place, and stretching exercises for the muscles that will be used during shoveling, such as the back, shoulders, arms, and legs.
Additionally, a warm-up can help to increase the heart rate, breathing and oxygen supply to the muscles; this can help to improve the muscle's efficiency and reduce the risk of strain or injury. This can also help to prevent cold-induced muscle stiffness and pain.
Additionally, warming up before shoveling snow is an important step in reducing the risk of injury and preparing the body for physical activity. It is recommended to spend at least 5-10 minutes warming up before starting to shovel.
Some other ways to prevent injury include:
•using a shovel with a comfortable grip and a curved handle to reduce strain on the back.
•pushing the snow rather than lifting it, as lifting can put a lot of stress on the back.
•taking frequent breaks to stretch and rest.
•using proper lifting techniques, such as keeping the load close to the body and lifting with the legs rather than the back
•avoiding over-exertion, primarily if you are not used to physical activity or have any underlying health conditions.
How does physiotherapy help with snow shoveling injuries?
Physiotherapy can help with snow shoveling injuries by addressing the pain and discomfort caused by the injury, as well as improving the overall function and movement of the affected area.
Some specific ways physiotherapy can help include:
Pain Management: Physiotherapists can help reduce pain and inflammation through various techniques such as manual therapy, modalities, and exercises.
Stretching and Strengthening: Physiotherapists can help to stretch out tight muscles and tendons and strengthen weakened ones, which can help prevent future injuries.
Posture and Body mechanics: Physiotherapists can help teach proper posture and body mechanics, which can help reduce the stress on the body while shoveling snow.
Return to activity: Physiotherapists can also help to progress your rehabilitation and help you return to full activity as quickly and safely as possible.
Education and Prevention: Physiotherapists can also educate you on how to prevent future injuries, such as proper stretching and warm-up before shoveling and proper technique for lifting and moving the snow.
Overall, physiotherapy can help to alleviate pain, improve movement, and prevent future injuries related to shoveling snow by addressing the underlying cause of the injury and providing appropriate treatment, education, and exercise.