Going Skiing This Winter?

25.09.2018 Category: Osteopathy Author: Andrew Doody

Most people who ski go from a sedentary job to a full week of intensive activity, and not just skiing itself, but lifting skis/boots and twisting getting on and off lifts, not to mention the après-ski…

Here are the TOP TIPS from our consultant osteopath, Andrew Doody, on how best to prepare and get the most out of your holiday, injury free!

BEFORE YOU GO:

    • Build up your fitness gradually. Just a few sessions on the cross-trainer will wake up those muscles to avoid problems in the first few days on the slopes. Even walking to work or using the stairs will get things going.
    • Start a stretching program. Concentrate on quads, hamstrings and calves.
    • Don’t ignore any twinges you may have, get them checked out and sorted before you go!
    • Work on your balance. Dig out that old yoga DVD.
    • Have your alignment checked. Most skiers find turning one way easier than the other. Poor technique may not be the problem! One-sidedness or muscle weakness is often the cause. Desk based workers are particularly susceptible.
    • Get professional advice on the best products to support problem knees, ankles, wrists or backs.

ON THE SLOPES:

    • Ensure ski boots are properly fitted: ill-fitting boots can impact on your posture when skiing.
    • Warm up before you start and stop and stretch off regularly, paying particular attention when you finish for the day.
    • Drink plenty of water.
    • Always wear a helmet!
    • Don’t ignore any pain you may experience, see it as the warning that it is meant to be and have it checked.
    • Beware in the village. Lots of ski injuries come from carrying kit badly or slipping on ice away from the slopes.

ON YOUR RETURN:

    • Don’t leave it another year to follow up on the cause of any pain you’ve experienced.
    • Consider ways to help you improve your fitness level throughout the year so that you are fit and ready to return to the slopes next ski season!

If you would like advice on the best exercises you can do to prepare for your ski trip, of have returned from holiday with an injury, you should book an osteopath appointment.

Tips For A Healthy Ski Season

07.02.2018 Category: News Author: Andrew Doody

Staying Healthy on the Slopes

Ski season is upon us, and it’s time to prepare yourself physically for your adventures on the slopes!

Skiing once a year can easily lead to injury – no surprise for such an intense activity, involving a range of muscle groups. And it’s not just skiing that’s physical; lifting skis, boots and using lifts can all take their toll on your body! In order to stay healthy this ski season, a little preparation is all that’s required.

Our Consultant Osteopath, Andrew Doody BSc (Hons), gives advice on how to avoid injuries so that you enjoy your holiday on the slopes.

Before your holiday:

  • Build up your fitness gradually – walking quickly to work or  weekend sessions on a cross-trainer will help you to prepare your muscles
  • Start a stretching programme. Concentrate on quads, hamstrings and calves
  • Don’t ignore any twinges you have – get yourself checked out by a professional before you travel
  • Work on your balance – yoga postures will help
  • Check your alignment; most skiers find turning one way easier than the other, which may be caused by either one-sidedness or muscle weakness
  • Get professional advice on the best products to support a problem back, knees, ankles, or wrists

On the Slopes and Après Ski

  • Ensure ski-boots are properly fitted. Ill-fitting boots can impact on your posture when skiing
  • Warm up before you start and stop to stretch, especially at the end of the day
  • Make sure to keep hydrated – easy to forget in the cold weather
  • Beware when you’re walking with you ski gear! Lots of ski injuries come from carrying kit badly or slipping on ice away from the slopes

On Your Return

  • Consider ways to improve your fitness level throughout the year and be well prepared for the 2018 season
  • If you have any lasting pains, make sure to have a professional health check

Book an Appointment at Fleet Street Clinic

Want more professional support and advice before your ski trip?

Book an appointment to see Fleet Street Clinic’s Consultant Osteopath Andrew online.

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