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Osteopathy and Pilates assist with safe skiing…

For some, there is no better rush than skiing down a mountain on fresh snow.  With transport to the slops in Europe being better and more accessible than ever, more people are discovering this adrenaline pumping sport. Although skiing has a reputation as a dangerous sport, there are a number of things you can do to avoid injuries and accidents on the slopes. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are as a skier, you will come across bumps, moguls and tricky pistes you did not anticipate. So how can you best prepare to stay safe and injury free on the slopes?

Here are some Tips from Posture Dynamics:

1. Start a fitness program at least six weeks before you go skiing. Pilates is a good choice as part of that fitness regime because it challenges the deep abdominal muscles which support the core and gives skiers a strong, flexible resilient structure.  For advanced skiers, activating the stablilising muscles helps to maintain balance at greater speeds and will assist with gaining agility on the slopes.

Other advantages of doing a regular pilates session pre skiing holiday include:

Improved alignment which reduces impact on the back, hips and knees

Excellent cross-training to regain muscle balance and avoid injuries.

Pilates helps skiers focus on a dynamic and full range of motion and strengthening of the hamstrings which can help balance overused quadriceps muscles (thigh muscles).

Pilates is not a cardiovascular exercise so it is important to add a cardiovascular training regime, such as running, cycling or cross-trainer work in the gym to compliment the Pilates training.

2. Skiers can also benefit from Osteopathy pre ski holiday as manual therapy can help free up restrictions in tight muscles and stiff joints. Undertaking a course of Osteopathy during your pre ski fitness regime may help you get fitter and achieve your goals smoothly and quickly.

So you are now prepared for the ski trip and on holiday on the slopes. What can we do once on the slopes to help prevent injury and ski safely?

Warm up before setting off each morning. We are all eager to get started in the morning on the slopes. This can be one of the most dangerous times when muscles and joints are cool. They can take some time to warm up and due to the reduced circulation, straining or spraining a ligament or muscle can easily happen, even if you are on a slope that seems within your capability. Take it slowly and properly warm up the muscles before getting the adrenaline rush on the slopes.

Always take a rest when tired and take special care on the last run home when you are fatigued.

Other tips to follow to stay safe include the following:

Make sure your equipment is maintained to a high standard. Check it regularly, especially boots and bindings.

Follow the International Ski Federation safety code at all times on the slopes.

Check weather conditions in the resort each day before you set out, and take note of avalanche or other warnings.

Adjust your skiing style to local terrain and weather conditions.

Despite taking these precautions accidents and falls still happen. Even the most experienced skier can end up with a strain or sprain. The most common skiing injuries affect the ligaments of the knee joint and they usually occur when we fall backwards in a twisting motion. The medial collateral ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament are the 2 most common ligaments affected.

Osteopathy can help knee injuries such as medial collateral ligamant strains and cartilage injuries by localized soft tissue treatments to the knee joint and by improving the compensatory mechanisms of the surrounding joints such as the foot, ankle and hip to reduce the strain on the injured joint and ligaments. Osteopaths at Posture Dynamics can also advise on appropriate strengthening and stretching exercises for the surrounding tissues.

Shoulder injuries are also common and usually result from a fall onto an outstretched hand directly onto the shoulder or an arm being dragged behind as we slide down the slope following a crash. Osteopathic mobilization can help to prevent further injury and joint restrictions and help to restore the functions of the injured tissues.

We sincerely hope not to see you as a result of a skiing injury. However should you sustain an injury, Osteopathy is a safe and effective treatment that will help you get back into exercise for your next trip.

For more information on how Osteopathy, Pilates and Posture Dynamics can help you prepare for skiing, or assist you to recover from an injury email us at contact@posturedynamics.co.uk

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At Posture Dynamics we offer Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy, Sports Massage and Pilates 1-2-1 or small group training. Find out more about how these therapies can help you.

If you are ready to book your appointment then click below to book online! Alternatively you can contact us on 0207 828 6888. We look forward to hearing from you!

Client Reviews

Simone P
Simone P
2024-01-06
I saw Camilla for an ongoing pulsatile tinnitus issue. I was not familiar with cranial osteopathy and as soon as I got to the appointment, I was warmly greeted and a thorough assesment was taken along with my medical history. I was instantly put at ease. I can honestly say that less than ten minutes after Camilla assessed my jaw and started gently releasing tension, the annoying noise in my ear just stopped. This is a remarkable result and I have rebooked to see Camilla. I am so impressed with not only the high level of evidence based practice but the bedside manner, professionalism, follow up care and cleanliness of the treatment room. I would highly recommend Posture Dynamics for any health concerns.
Audrey Langevin
Audrey Langevin
2023-01-21
I went for the first time for a session last week with Camilla because I recently started to suffer from tinnitus, and I must say she is amazing, not to say talented! After the first session I felt like all the big city life stress had left my body, my jaw felt more relaxed, and after a few days I started to get used to the ringing in my right ear. She took time and dedication to help me relieve constant pain (due to posture and stress) in my upper back and joints. At the end I felt soooo relaxed, happier, smiling, almost like walking on clouds! The tinnitus also has become more bearable, as my muscles feel less tense than before. This week I went to a follow up consultation and as a result of the first one, I felt already more relaxed and the pain in my shoulder and neck has started to decrease. Cranial ostheopathy is a first for me but Camilla’s knowledge, empath and kindness are truly helping.
Caroline Lacave
Caroline Lacave
2023-01-06
Camilla is an amazing osteopath. She is empathetic, friendly and so professional . I felt so relaxed after the treatment, like if she reset my body. I will recommend her 200%!
Anna-Marie Sullivan
Anna-Marie Sullivan
2022-12-01
Daren is fantastic, I highly recommend. As a performer it’s important for me to maintain my body and fix any injuries. Daren is always so accommodating at finding a suitable appointment time that fits my schedule and is a brilliant Osteopath with years of experience.
J Bergin
J Bergin
2022-12-01
Would highly recommendation Posture Dynamics / Daren if you have any issues. He listened to my on going long term back, muscular issue - and sat down and discussed a plan of action / timeline to fix/improve my daily quality of life I’ve seen multiple professionals prior to Daren, and he’s the only one that’s been able to fix things.
sal4755
sal4755
2022-11-30
Darren is an excellent osteopath with a professional and friendly demeanour. I highly recommend Darren’s services to any one seeking to resolve any muscle pains/aches.
Gillian Brown
Gillian Brown
2022-11-15
If you're looking for someone who knows their stuff and can fix your problem, Daren at Posture Dynamics is the man to go to. Be patient and follow what he says and you'll be sorted. I recommend him unreservedly.
Barry Tranter
Barry Tranter
2022-07-31
I fully recommend seeing Daren. He's calm, knowledgeable and works with you to work though your issues. This was exactly what I needed when I came to him with my back problems. I didn't know where to turn to after receiving very little help from the NHS. Give him a call. I've learned loads about my issues and loads about how to look after it.
Simon Pitman
Simon Pitman
2022-07-08
I am midway through the first part of my recovery. I have found Daren to be informative, knowledgeable and skilled. I trust him to guide me in the right direction for my recovery and back to running effectively.
Hazem Hamad
Hazem Hamad
2022-06-29
Daren is a true professional. His knowledge of the musculoskeletal system is extensive and he understands the ramifications of injuries because he’s from a sports background. I have gone from full body muscle tightness and soreness to feeling empowered and much more flexible. Thank you
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