This post will cover a few different ways to reduce injury risk during this ski season.
Some of these may be common sense but I will go over the benefits for each tip in detail.
Get Stronger
2.)
Dont Use Ski Poles
You heard me right!
Skiers thumb is real and super common in the sport, hence its name.
Thumb UCL sprains can take weeks to heal and fractures can occur in severe cases.
Do yourself a favor and ditch the poles if lapping the park all day.
Learn How To Fall
Freestyle skiing is a dangerous sport, and we fall, a lot.
If you are pushing yourself falls are an inevitable part of your ski day.
Learning how to fall has helped me reduce wrist and shoulder injuries as I progressed.
What I mean by falling safely is trying not to fight a fall too much when its happening.
Do not be rigid and take a stab at brace yourself, yet relax at the same time.
Landing on an outstretched arm is an easy way to fracture your wrist or injure your shoulder.
Wear A Helmet
I know, I know.
I wont want to be the old guy telling you to wear a helmet.
But I am, and Ill let the research speak for itself.
Wearing a helmet has been shown to directly reduce the risk for concussion and head injury in skiing.
Penetration injuries from a tree or rock are also reduced when wearing a hardshell helmet.
Know Your Limits
Freestyle skiing is a progression sport.
Getting out of our comfort zone is what makes it the best sport in the world.
BUT, being smart about trying new tricks and larger features is key.
Learn and ride with better skiers.
Good park skiers should be able to help you safely progress if they know your skill level.
An great example is learning backflips.
There you have it.
5 simple and easy tips to reduce injury risk during the ski season.
As always be safe and land Gucci!!
References:
Benson BW, Hamilton GM, Meeuwisse WH, McCrory P, Dvorak J.
Is protective equipment useful in preventing concussion?
A systematic review of the literature.British Journal of Sports Medicine.
2009;43:i56.
Accessed October 2, 2020.http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=85506208&site=eds-live
