At press, winter is here in the BC Lower Mainland. The snow is falling all around our Burnaby physiotherapy clinic, which is what has inspired this article today. While people may consider physio for injuries sustained after slips, falls, and fender benders that may occur at this time of the year, it can actually be an effective tool in preparing you for the season. How? Let’s review.
5 Ways Physiotherapy Can Prepare Your Body to Weather the Winter Season in BC
I. Can Help You Perform Better on the Road
Like most Canadians, you may live with chronic pain or some other physical ailment that prevents you from sitting comfortably while driving. The same may keep you from being able to turn your neck to check blind spots and/or react quickly should you need to stop, yield, or swerve at a moment’s notice. In other words, driving with an injury (no matter how small it may seem) can lead to more concerning injuries to come from a motor vehicle accident (MVA). This risk is elevated when winter conditions make our highways and roadways a mess. By getting a check-up from a physiotherapist and chiropractor you can nip the potential for an MVA in the bud and perform better on the road because of it.
II. Can Help Ease the Pains of Winter Weather
Cold winter weather breeds pain and discomfort from the underlying issues you may have in your body. For example, the body’s drop in temperature has a direct impact on your thyroid. But in general, cold winter weather causes a change in your blood flow, with some of it being rerouted from your limbs to help keep organs (i.e. heart and lungs) warm. In doing so, it removes warmth away from your joints. If you already experience some pain and discomfort in your joints from a past injury (etc.) the symptoms are accentuated even further. By correcting those issues and employing physio-guided movements and exercises to improve blood flow you will reduce the pain of winter weather.
III. Can Keep You From Slipping
You may fall in love with the snowfall at this time of the year, but you definitely don’t relish the slippery pileup it causes on sidewalks and pathways. While anyone can experience a slip and fall (and related injury) during such conditions, those with compromised balance and poor core stability are far more susceptible. By seeing a physiotherapist you can correct your imbalances. Here’s how.
IV. Can Help You Enjoy Outdoor Winter Activities
Winter brings a slew of new outdoor activities to Greater Vancouver. In order to prevent injury and enhance your performance (and thus enjoyment) in snowboarding, skiing, ice-skating, snowshoeing, and even snowball fighting you should see a physiotherapist. View more on how physiotherapy can help you prepare for those fun winter sports and activities.
V. Cure for the Common Cold Too?
To the average person, everything above makes sense. But can physiotherapy actually keep the common cold at bay? It can, in an indirect but no less effective way. For one, physiotherapist-prescribed breathing methods can help remove mucus from your breathing passages. It can also help prevent disruptions in much-needed sleep (for recovery) and will certainly help ease the aches and pains that come with the seasonal ailment. Lastly, physiotherapy incorporates stretches, resistance training, and movements that collectively count as exercise. Studies have proven that regular exercise helps boost one’s immune system. View more on how physiotherapy is used to beat the common cold.
Get ready for the long winter season to come. Schedule your first consultation at our Burnaby BC clinic today.