Winter has officially arrived here in Minnesota. That means it’s time for many of us to dust off those shovels and clear snowy driveways, walkways, and sidewalks. While shoveling snow is a regular part of living in Minnesota, there are many injuries that can befall a person while shoveling. This physical therapy education article discusses some of the more common snow shoveling injuries, and offers a few tips for prevention.
Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Injuries
You may not realize it, but you utilize your shoulders quite a bit when shoveling snow. As a result, the shoulders are a common area of injury. Make sure you’re practicing proper lifting and shoveling form to avoid these types of injuries.
Foot & Ankle Injuries
Snowy and icy sidewalks make for a dangerous combination that can increase your chances of an ankle or foot injury while shoveling. Walk slowly while shoveling and use salt to melt any existing ice.
Back & Spine Injuries
Shoveling involves a lot of bending, turning, and twisting – all of which can increase your risk of a back injury (especially if you’re using poor shoveling techniques). With heavy snow, it’s easy to accidentally pull a muscle in your back. Additionally, slipping and falling can lead to slipped discs in the spine, and other issues. Be sure to practice good shoveling technique and tread carefully to avoid slip and fall accidents.
Physical Rehabilitation in Minnesota
If you have sustained an injury while shoveling snow, make an appointment with a physical therapist to address your injury. At OrthoRehab Specialists, we provide physical therapy care to patients with wide-ranging conditions and injuries. With nearly thirty years of experience and over 600 referring providers, our physical therapists are highly respected. As an added bonus, we also offer direct access to physical therapy for patients in the state of Minnesota, so you can set up an appointment with us even without a referral. Contact us today at our physical therapy clinics in Edina and downtown Minneapolis to set up your appointment with a Minnesota physical therapy specialist.