How can physical therapy help if I’m injured after slipping on snow?

If you have lived anywhere that gets snow for longer than a few months (or a few weeks), chances are you’ve slipped on the snow and ice at least once. It’s inevitable that the weather conditions will take you down — literally — but did you know that 1 in 5 falls can cause a serious injury, such as a broken bone or concussion? With inclement weather, it’s important to take extra caution when stepping out of the house. 

So, what do you do if you fall on the snow or ice and sustain an injury? First things first, assess the injury. If it does not require immediate medical attention, then your next best step is the follow the RICE rule:

• Rest.
• Ice.
• Compression.
• Elevation.

Most injuries will heal after a week or two. A chronic injury or chronic pain is classified as any injury that shows ongoing symptoms after two to three weeks. If you are still dealing with the fallout of a slip on the snow after a few weeks, it may be time to see a physical therapist. For most states with direct access treatment, you do not need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapy specialist.

How can physical therapy help treat an injury from slipping on the snow or ice?

Physical therapy can help treat your injury caused by slipping on the snow or ice by addressing the root cause of your injury. Here are some of the common treatments that may be used, depending on the type of injury you’ve sustained:

• Manual therapy — Guided exercises and stretches can help to restore range of motion and strength in any joints and/or muscles that may have been damaged from your fall.
• IASTM therapy — Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization can help to restore the function of your connective tissue (such as your IT band in your hip and knee) if slipping on the snow has caused a tear. 
• Vestibular rehabilitation — Vestibular rehab focuses on restoring balance and gait function that can be altered from a serious fall or head injury, such as a concussion.

If you have suffered an injury from slipping on the snow or ice, and you are still struggling to get back on your feet, it may be time to see a physical therapist. Contact our team at Armor Physical Therapy today to schedule a free consultation, and take the next step toward healing.