The snow in Europe looks so far, good this year if you had in mind to head for the slopes in mid-February and half-term. Sounds like a lot of fun for many, however, before you book your flights and get your salopettes out of the loft, how does your body feel?
You may have been less active over the winter months, and with the festive season now just a memory, it might be easy to forget that significant exercise and exertion may well put significant strain on your muscles and skeleton if unprepared. Packing your bags may be one thing, but are you really ready?
Before you go
Physiotherapy can help before you go and will be there for you on your return. Nobody wants to have their holiday cut short due to injuries sustained from preventable problems. Prior to booking, it is a good idea to schedule some time with your physiotherapist to have a musculoskeletal MOT before you travel. During the assessment, areas particular at risk from snow-based sports can be reviewed and a plan can be put into action to improve strength, stability, flexibility and control.
You may simply need a sports massage to ensure that you are ready to get the best from your time away, and Mel Allan can help with this treatment.
The start of the holiday
Once in the mountains, some general advice might include: be honest with yourself and your own ability – if it has been some time since you have put on your ski boots, ease back into it gently and pick routes which match your own ability; incorporate rest breaks throughout the day to let the body recover; keep hydrated and feed the body with a good, well balanced diet.
When you’re home, hopefully in one piece
Finally, a lot of patients seem to come home with the same story - they injure themselves on the final run of the day. To avoid a similar experience, acknowledge your own fitness level, and if you are tired, don’t be embarrassed to sit a run out or finish the day a little early. Pushing your body to its extreme can prematurely end a ski trip. If your legs are tired or the conditions are worsening and you feel out of your depth, stop!
On your return, if you have sustained an injury and have been unable to get it looked at in resort, it is best to have it checked out sooner rather than later to avoid it being a more complicated, chronic problem which interferes with your summer holiday or skiing next season.
Contact Us
We hope you have a great trip away to the snow, wherever that may be. However, be ready and if you are interested in our physiotherapy, massage, reflexology and nutritional needs services pre or post (or both) of your winter holiday then feel free to call us on 07309 272 555 or email Physio@Lifemadesimple.co.uk. Life Made Simple - expert physiotherapy in Bramley, Guildford and Surrey.
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