Good posture, mechanics, pacing yourself key to dealing with excess of snow

The heavy snow this winter - and now spring - has made it busier than usual for local physiotherapy clinics.

“It has been an unusual winter, in terms of the amount of snow we’ve had. It’s heavy, it has built up and stuck around for a long time,” says Julie Skaling, who operates a physiotherapy clinic in Kentville.

Skaling said she and her staff have seen, and dealt with, “some different things” this winter. There have also been an increased number of the usual complaints of back strains and sprains, as well.

“We’ve seen a lot of tendonitis issues, in forearms, elbows, wrists and shoulders,” she said. “It can be from more shovelling than usual, but also snowblowing as well.”

In general, there have been “a lot more upper extremity problems, more than in a usual winter, and directly related to snow removal.”

Not only is the activity of shovelling – or snowblowing – repetitive, “the height you’re having to lift the snow is making a difference,” she said, pointing out that repetitive movement above eye level leaves people more susceptible to injury.

“The other thing we’ve seen this winter is a lot more slips and falls, because of all the ice under the snow. We’ve seen an increase in concussions due to falls this winter, as well as broken wrists, ankles and hips,” she said. These injuries are happening to people of all ages, from seniors to young children.

There have also been more injuries this winter as a result of motor vehicle collisions, which have kept fire departments and other first responders busy – not to mention health professionals.

“The volume of snow, whiteout conditions, not being able to see over or around snowbanks, they’ve all been factors,” she said.

Skaling suggested proper footwear, including ice grippers, for anyone walking on ice to help reduce possible falls.

As for shovelling snow, “the most important thing is to pace yourself and not try and do too much at once. If you do suffer an injury that doesn’t go away, it’s best to have it checked out,” either by a family doctor or by another health professional.

Educate yourself on the best way to move your body, she says, “so you’re less likely to keep re-aggravating the same problem. It can get worse if it isn’t dealt with.”

The volume of clients visiting clinics like Skaling’s tends to go in trends, she said.

“If we end up having another winter like this next year, a person can only be so prepared. It’s the repetitive movement, more than anything,” she said.

“Good posture, good body mechanics, pace yourself and don’t try to do too much for too long. And if problems are lingering, seek professional help.”