Page 18 - Oundle Life February 2025

This time off year
brings snow and ice.
At these times some
of the people who are
normally active and
walk regularly will
decide to stay at home
so they do not slip on
the ice. As a result of
this reduced level of
activity, they sit around
more and often stiffen
up. Even if the weather outside is dreadful, do try and keep active. This could involve a gentle exercise or yoga class; or it may just mean doing some gentle stretches at home or perhaps looking at some online Pilates classes. If you do decide to venture out on slippery ground, make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear and avoid areas in the shade that may have thawed and re-frozen as black ice.
If you are aiming to get away to the snow
on a skiing holiday you should be considering how to get fit and protect yourself from injury. As equipment has changed and improved over the years we see a slightly different selection
of winter holiday injuries to those we saw in years gone by. In the past, the majority of skiing injuries were knee ligament sprains and strains,
SNOW FUN
or no fun?
For those folk who have to get out in the snow to clear paths and driveways using shovels and brooms, do set yourself a reasonable task, and consider not doing the whole job in
one go if you have a large area to clear. Repetitive bending and twisting are a
sure way to upset a grumbly lower back, especially if you have been relatively
sedentary over the winter holiday
period. Once you have finished, do not
be tempted to come in and sit in a soft
chair for several hours without standing
or changing position. You may find you
really struggle to get up if you sit for a
long period after some unaccustomed
physical exertion.
Some people absolutely love the snow. The young (and the young at heart) will go out to play and toboggan. It’s true that boys will be boys, but when the snow arrives, so will a lot of middle-aged men! Remember, we don’t bounce quite so well as we get older!
such as cruciate ligament tears or spiral fractures of the tibia, which would often require surgery. As boot and bindings improve, we don’t see these
as frequently, but we often see impact injuries where people have lost control at speed or been in a collision. Last year we saw more shoulder injuries than
in previous years, and snowboarders are more likely to present with wrist and thumb injuries if they fall onto outstretched hands.
However you choose to spend your time, if we have a spell of icy or snowy weather, take care and be careful.
It’s true that boys will be boys, but when the snow arrives, so will a lot of middle-aged men!
If you would like to know whether Osteopathy can help you: www.oundleosteopaths.co.uk
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