We are almost through February, and I have to say, this Wisconsin winter hasn’t been that bad. Anything compared to the snowmageddon of the northeast is better, and I know I’ve been thankful that it hasn’t been as bad as the past two years. Though I may be from Louisiana, this transplant knows we aren’t out of the woods yet, at least until June. Each year I see patients with snow shoveling and related injuries, typically of the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Many times these injuries could have been avoided if these patients had read the information I have posted links to from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). It’s important to use common sense, warm up, stretch, take your time, and know your own limitations. Sometimes you may have to ask others for help because you may not be physically able to remove the snow, particularly if it is hard and heavy, and especially if you have a bad back. When shoveling, keep your back straight and brace your abdominals before lifting by drawing your belly button to your spine. As you lift keep your abdominals braced and push up with your legs, keeping your shoulders down. Do NOT lift and twist because this movement, especially when you are lifting something, can cause a low back disc injury. If you are going to rake your roof, use similar principles, try keeping your shoulders down and use your legs to walk the snow back as much as possible. If you have trouble or you feel a real pull or pain when you lift your arms up, you should have someone else do this chore. Beyond orthopaedic strains and pains, snow shoveling puts heavy demands on your heart. If you do not engage in regular aerobic exercise, I don’t recommend you do the shoveling, because your heart may not be ready for this type of vigorous activity. Read the information I have posted below as well as watch the videos in order to help prevent a winter injury.
PHYSICAL THERAPISTS OFFER SNOW SHOVELERS ADVICE TO AVOID INJURIES- APTA
Snow Shoveling Safety Tips from A PT- Video
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Prevent Snow Shoveling and Snow Blowing Injuries
Video: A Physical Therapist’s Recommendations for Snow Shoveling
Snow Removal Tips from Popular Mechanics: 16 Cardinal Rules for Snow Shovelling
MoniqueSerpasPT
My name is Monique Serpas, PT, DPT, OCS. I am a physical therapist and board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist practicing at the Southeast Louisiana Healthcare System in New Orleans, LA. I realize how difficult it can be to overcome an injury or manage a chronic condition and am focused on helping my clients achieve wellness through a physically active lifestyle. I treat orthopaedic, balance, and vestibular disorders and practice using a combination of hands-on manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and education. This enables my patients to assist in their own recovery and injury prevention. I also have developed fall prevention and golf-related rehab programs in the past. I hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin (2008) and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University (2004). I am a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Louisiana Physical Therapy Association (LPTA), and the Orthopaedic and Neurology sections of the APTA.
If you want to connect beyond the blog, m...@geaux2pt.com or click on the following social network icons:
February 26, 2010
General Information, Orthopaedic