Winter is here, and with it comes the risk of injury from snow shoveling. Shoveling snow is a common task during the winter months, but it can put a lot of strain on your body. If not done properly, it can lead to a range of injuries, such as muscle strains, back pain, and even herniated discs. Rotator cuff injuries and heart attacks can also occur in rare cases. In this article, we’ll discuss the risks of shoveling snow, why it’s important to warm up your body first, and how manual osteopathy can be the perfect form of treatment for injuries caused by shoveling.
The Risks of Shoveling Snow
Shoveling snow is a strenuous activity, and if not done properly, it can lead to a range of injuries. The most common injuries from snow shoveling are:
- Muscle strains occur when you overuse or tear a muscle, and they can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
- Back pain can be caused by poor technique when lifting snow, which can strain the muscles and ligaments in the back.
- Herniated discs are a more serious condition that can occur when you lift heavy snow with poor technique, causing the cushioning between the vertebrae in the spine to slip out of place.
- Rotator cuff injuries can occur due to the repetitive motion of shoveling snow, leading to pain and limited range of motion.
Why It’s Important to Warm Up Your Body First
Did you know, that almost 10% of all heart attacks during the winter months are caused by snow shoveling?
Before you start shoveling snow, it’s important to warm up your body first. Warming up helps increase blood flow to the muscles and prepares them for activity. A good warm-up should include stretching exercises that target the back, shoulders, and legs. You should also do some light cardio to increase your heart rate and get your body moving. By warming up your body first, you can reduce the risk of injury and make shoveling snow easier on your body.
How Manual Osteopathy Can Help
Manual osteopathy can be the perfect form of treatment for injuries caused by shoveling snow. Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. Manual osteopathy uses hands-on techniques to help restore mobility and balance to the body. Manual osteopaths use gentle techniques to help alleviate muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation to promote healing.
Conclusion
Snow shoveling is a common task during the winter months, but it can put a lot of strain on your body if not done properly. To reduce the risk of injury, it’s important to warm up your body first and use proper technique when lifting snow. If you do experience pain or discomfort from snow shoveling, visit a manual osteopath who can help relieve your symptoms and promote healing.
