Snow has officially arrived, and with more snow/sleet sure to come shortly, it’s important to do your best to stay safe in the bad weather. But how can you stay safe, and avoid unnecessary injury? Snow, sleet, and ice come with a new set of problems and new ways that you can get injured and end up needing to see a primary care physician and ultimately physical therapist in Wyoming or Nebraska. 

The most common types of winter injuries include falling (on ice or snow), strain from snow shoveling, and ultimately injury during exercise while it’s cold out. However, there are a few things you can do to help avoid these common types of injuries. Let’s talk about falling first - the following won’t completely prevent you from falling and getting injured..but it’s a good start. 

• Wear proper footwear, with proper traction
• Slow down - there is no need to rush
• Keep strides short, longer strides increase risk of fall
• Don’t rush outside when completing chores - once again there is no rush
• Never go outside without your cell phone 

It’s important to pay attention to how your body is feeling after the fall. You might not feel the fall immediately, but if you’ve taken a particularly hard fall we recommend you go see a doctor right away just in case. Falls can be extremely dangerous - tread lightly. 

Do you snow shovel regularly? Snow shoveling can cause injury, such as falling (as previously talked about) or even muscle strain. Here is how you can prevent uncomfortable and ultimately painful muscle strains: 

• Take it slow and easy - trying to do too much too quickly can result in injury
• Make sure you are wearing proper gear so you don’t slip and fall while shoveling snow
• Stretch. This sounds odd, but be sure to stretch before going out to shovel snow. 

In terms of preventing injury from outside physical activity - this will just require you to be careful. Accidents happen, but how you respond to them will ultimately determine how you heal. If you are experiencing body aches and pains, also be sure to reach out to your primary care physician or our team. At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services. Contact us today for more information.