Goodbye Tank Tops, Hello Winter: Top Tips for the Snow Shoveling Season

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It’s that time of year. The air is crisp, the skies are gray, and the White Walkers are coming … well, maybe not the White Walkers, but at least the snow. This is the time of year when we start to see many of those injuries associated with raking leaves, shoveling snow, or both. This year is going to be different, though. This year, everyone is going to read this blog and watch the associated educational video and avoid those pesky snow shoveling/raking/yard work injuries, right? 

I love shoveling snow. I love the look of the pristine driveway after I am done. I love how quiet it can be early in the morning. And I love the work out. Many people don’t see it as that, but shoveling snow is quite the workout. If you do not prep your body appropriately and use proper technique, your body will let you know. Typically, in the form of pain or injury.  

Below are some tips to help you avoid injury and keep you healthy throughout the winter. If you are experiencing pain or have been injured, it is highly recommended that you see any one of our highly trained therapists here at Therapeutic Associates. 

General Safety Tips:

Tips For Raking Leaves:

Tips For Shoveling Snow:

Warm-Up Exercises

Check out these great blog posts featuring dynamic warm-ups. When you’re getting ready to tackle the leaves or the snow, it’s important to warm up just as you would if you were about to go for a run or do any other type of exercise … because raking and shoveling are in fact quite a workout after all! 

Dynamic Warmup
Athletic Performance

Dynamic Warm Ups for Athletes

A dynamic warm-up routine should be performed prior to activity to prepare the body for the demands of a workout. Dynamic movements are the best way to prepare your body for dynamic workouts.

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Running-Injury---Returning-to-Running---Physical-Therapy
Athletic Performance

Dynamic Warm-Up for Runners

Dynamic warm ups increase core temperature, muscle temperature, elongates muscles, stimulates the nervous system and helps reduce risk for injury. This type of stretching is best utilized before activity while static stretching should be used to cooldown after activity.

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Start your journey to pain-free living today.

Our experts are committed to providing effective, efficient, and compassionate care to help you live a pain-free, active life. Our passion is to help every patient reach their goals on their journey to recovery and optimal performance.

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