Preparing for the Upcoming Winter Season

Innovation Physical Therapy wants to ensure that you are prepared for the upcoming winter season so you can avoid injuries at all costs. Each year, the risk of injury skyrockets during the winter months. In 2018-2019 alone, there were nearly 9,000 hospitalizations due to falls on ice in Canada, making them the number-one cause of sport or winter-related injuries (according to the latest stats from the Canadian Institute for Health Information). Additionally, Canadians typically see a 5% rise in car accident cases during winter.

These statistics may or may not be too surprising; however, it is essential to know how to protect yourself this winter, both before falls and after the inevitable slip and slide.

This blog has listed some potential risks from winter weather and helpful tips on avoiding them. If you wind up with a winter-related injury, we’ve also provided some options to make dealing with it less painful.

Slips, Falls and Other Injuries

When we think of winter weather, we picture treacherous roads, slushy sidewalks, and the inevitable slip-and-slide on icy patches. All of these can lead to falling or other painful injuries.

We strongly recommend wearing comfortable and practical shoes and clothing in preparation for the upcoming season. Whether you’re participating in winter sports, shovelling snow on your driveway and sidewalk, or going for a walk, durable footwear will reduce your chances of encountering slips or falls. It may not seem like much, but this simple attention to your footwear can help prevent injuries such as pulled muscles, sprains, concussions, or other types of aches and sprains.

Car Accidents

As we have all experienced, winter road conditions can become treacherous. Road accidents are also one of the most significant issues that can risk your health and safety in winter. Snowfall, slush, and frozen sections on the roads are some of the leading causes of roadside accidents.

Here are a few tips to minimize a potential accident on the road.

Ensure that all roads, driveways, and paths around your property are cleared of ice and snow. While snow shovelling or sidewalk salting isn’t everyone’s favourite winter sport, they can significantly reduce the risk of car accidents around your home.
When starting your vehicle, give it some time to warm up. This can prevent your windows from fogging up, making it easier to view the road while driving.
Be aware of your travel plans, and stick to well-travelled roads. More popular roadways will likely be maintained through clearing or sanding, so there won’t be as much ice and snow.

What to do if you already have an injury and winter is coming.

While some injuries heal within a few weeks, other more severe issues may require the aid of physiotherapy or massage therapy.

If you’ve experienced an injury due to a fall or maybe from doing yardwork preparing for the snow to fly, our team at Innovation Physical Therapy is ready to help you relieve your pain and get you back on track.

If you do happen to find yourself in a car accident, there’s a high chance that you’ll endure some injury. These injuries can be mild to severe, short-term or long-term, depending on the situation. Sometimes, you may not feel the effects of your injuries immediately. Sometimes, the pain kicks in from as little as a few hours to an entire day later.

At Innovation Physical Therapy, we focus on helping patients recover from accidents. We strive to help you recover from your aches and pains so you can get back to your everyday life.

Contact Innovation Physical Therapy

This winter, we advise that you remember to be safe when driving, wear practical clothing and come in for physical therapy when you feel it is necessary. If you have any further questions about our services or even our winter health and safety topics, contact Innovation Physical Therapy today. We’re here to help you Love Getting Better!