Gliding down the slopes on skis or snowboard is an exhilarating experience until you take a tumble and get hurt. According to StopSportsInjuries.org, most common injuries include head, spinal, ligament, dislocations, separations, and fractures. These injuries can result in a wide range of issues, and while chiropractors are typically best known for improving symptoms of spinal problems, a family chiropractor can also help with most injuries sustained on the slope.

Having trained in ergonomics, proper stretching techniques, and strength training, chiropractors in New Berlin WI can repair damage to joints and soft tissue and can determine the best form of care for your injury.

Injury Prevention in New Berlin WI

Injury prevention is always preferable. Here are a few of the things that contribute to downhill injuries:

• Dehydration
• Improper equipment
• Inadequate rest
• Inexperience

Being prepared isn't just for the scouts. Before you head for the slopes, proper physical conditioning will keep your muscles, tendons, and ligaments in proper condition and help to improve your balance to prevent a fall. It's also crucial to eat properly and be well hydrated before hitting the slopes. Your family chiropractor can teach you strength and balance exercises that will help to prevent muscle tears, sprains, and injuries from overuse and offer personalized nutritional advice.

After the Fall

Treat injuries with rest. Elevate the area and apply compression. Typically, treat sprains with ice for the first 24 hours, 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off, to reduce swelling, and then apply gentle heat to increase circulation to promote healing. If pain persists, make an appointment with a chiropractor to help prevent scar tissue buildup. Here are some of the relief options available with chiropractic care:

• Spinal and soft-tissue adjustments: Realigning the spine will help reduce or eliminate neck and back pain by removing the pressure from nerves and will help reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain.
• Electrostimulation: If you have sore muscles, chiropractic care may provide relief. Painless electric waves are used to stimulate blood flow, increasing oxygen delivery to muscles to speed healing.
• Ultrasound: Like electrostimulation, sound waves penetrate the tissues to improve circulation and promote healing.
• Physical therapy and massage: Specific exercises are used to rehabilitate injured tissue. Hand and hydromassage restore range of motion and increase blood flow to speed healing.

If you need help recovering from a skiing or snowboarding injury and need a chiropractor in Brookfield WI, New Berlin WI, or Williams Bay WI, our team has the training and experience to get you on the fast road to recovery. Give or office a call today to schedule a consultation. At Pure Family Chiropractic, your health is always our top priority.