, December 11, 2007 – For
winter sports enthusiasts, the first cold snap of the season conjures
up visions of hitting the slopes – whether for a day trip,
a weekend, or a holiday stint of winter fun.
Whether your winter sports itinerary includes snowboarding or alpine
skiing, some advanced preparation and know-how can go a long way
to ensuring a fun, injury-free winter season, according to Kimball
Medical Center sports medicine specialists.
“This is the time of year when we see all kinds of ski and
snowboard related injuries,” says fellowship-trained sports
physician James Morales, M.D., of Shore Sports Medicine. ”For
skiers the more common types of injuries involve the knee, including
ligament and cartilage tears. There’s also generalized muscles
pulls, and thumb and shoulder injuries.”
Those who snowboard, he adds, typically suffer from ankle sprains
and strains, fractures, injuries to the wrists, shoulders, neck
and tailbone.
According to the National Ski Association, each year there are approximately
135,000 medically significant snow sport injuries in this country
that require hospitalization. Many of these injuries, according
to David Terlizzi, director or Rehabilitation Services at Kimball,
are preventable if you adhere to some simple safety guidelines.
“Starting a strengthening regime prior to hitting the slopes
is key to avoiding unnecessary injuries,” he says. “I
recommend wall squats to strengthen the quadriceps in the legs;
and, chair scoots – digging your heels into the floor and
scooting across the room in a wheeled chair – to build up
your hamstring muscles and strengthen your ankles and knees.”
According to Terlizzi, a licensed physical therapist, getting regular
exercise well before the start of the winter sports season can not
only help you avoid muscle strain, but also allows you to enjoy
more time on the slopes with less fatigue.
In addition to your regular exercise regime, Terlizzi recommends
stretching individual muscle groups before taking to the slopes.
“Flexibility is a big plus in minimizing injuries you might
sustain from a fall,” says Terlizzi. “Stretching your
upper and lower body prior to participating in winter sports activities
can help you gain that flexibility and ultimately reduce serious
injuries.”
Another way to enhance your safety on the slopes is by using the
proper equipment. “Whether you ski or snowboard, or participate
in any winter sports activity, having the right equipment is key
to getting the most out of the activity while remaining safe.”
When skiing or snowboarding, that means well-fitted boots, bindings
that properly release on impact, and vital safety gear such as helmets
and wrist guards.
“I also recommend that people take an annual ski lesson,”
says Terlizzi, “This offers the opportunity, not only to improve
your skill level, but to reacquaint yourself with safe skiing techniques.”
Terlizzi stresses the importance of knowing your own ability and
recommends that even seasoned skiers and snowboarders participate
in a lesson whenever attempting to ski or snowboard in a new location
or when you’re feeling ready to move to the next level of
difficulty. “Different terrain requires different technique,
and it’s always good practice when you feel ready to move
to the next skill level to take a lesson and learn the mountain
with a trained instructor,” he adds.
If, despite your best efforts and planning, you should suffer an
injury on the slopes, Kimball Medical Center has a team of sports
medicine specialists and rehabilitation experts to help get you
back on your feet.
“We have the latest technology to diagnose these type of winter
sports injuries, and develop the most effective treatment plans
for a quick recovery,” according to Dr. Morales, who notes
that in some instances treatment plans could include surgery followed
by physical therapy. At Kimball Medical Center, advanced surgical
options for orthopedic patients include minimally invasive laser
and arthroscopic surgery, which often reduce surgical trauma and
lessen recovery times.
“For less serious injuries, such as strained muscles or ligament
pulls, your physician might prescribe medication in conjunction
with physical therapy services,” he adds.
Certified physical therapists use state-of-the-art modalities –
including ultrasound and electrotherapy – along with a variety
of specialized exercises to strengthen and heal strained muscles
and ligaments, and reduce the swelling and pain of injuries.
“While we certainly hope that all of the winter sport enthusiasts
out there stay healthy, active and safe throughout the upcoming
season,” says Terlizzi, “it’s good to know that
if you do get hurt, Kimball Medical Center is here to help get you
back on your feet again.”
For more information about Outpatient Rehabilitation Services at
Kimball Medical Center or for a referral to a Kimball Medical Center
sports medicine specialist, call 1-888-SBHS-123 (888-724-7123).
CONTACT: Kathleen Horan
Public Relations and Marketing
732-557-3909
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