Newsletter for January 2017

Welcome to our Newsletter for January 2017
We would like to thank all of our clients that donated items for the Bedford food bank over Christmas. Your generosity was greatly appreciated.

Skiing Injuries
As the ski season is fast approaching we thought it would be beneficial to do our main injury article on skiing injuries. We will include the top 7 skiing injuries and prevention strategies whilst on the slopes.
1. Knee Ligament MCL and ACL
This is a very common injury in skiing. Landing jumps, collisions with other skiers, crossing ski’s, widening your stance or simply falling can result in the twisting or pulling of your knee ligament. If swelling is presents cold therapy and rest is beneficial.

2. Patello-Femoral Syndrome (PFS)
PFS occurs when too much strain is put on the knee caps due to the bent stance adopted when skiing. Pain is most commonly felt in the front of the knee cap or underneath. Making sure that the quadriceps and additional hip muscles are strengthened without straining the muscles.

3. Lower Back Pain
The bent-over position of the body when skiing back pain can occur this is due to poor posture or muscle imbalance. Resulting in a dull ache or stiffness in the back which can develop into a sharper pain in the lower back if not rested. Heat therapy can be used to relax the muscles further and back stretches will help with the dull ache.

4. Skiers Thumb
Skiers thumb occurs when the ligaments supporting the joint at the bottom of the thumb are strained or over stretched. As a result of pressure put on the thumb from the poles and results in pain when moving the thumb, swelling and laxity in the joint. Applying cold therapy to the area and a support bandage will aid the healing process.

5. Fractured Collar Bone (Clavicle)
This is a result of a bad fall onto an arm or shoulder or colliding with another skier. Pain and swelling in the area will be experienced and sometimes an abnormality on the bone can be felt or seen. Seek medical attention immediately and the arm must be kept immobilised to stop further damage.

6. Shoulder Soft Tissue Injuries
Shoulder injuries are usually caused by falls or awkward landings. Rotator cuff strains are the most common cause of pain in the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff tendonitis and tears are most common. This usually results from overuse or an action which requires the tendons to stretch beyond their limits or a fall. Rotator cuff strains can usually be treated with rest, ice, seek medical advice if pain persists.

7. Concussion/Head Injuries
Head injuries can be extremely serious. Most head injuries are caused by falls, accidents and high speed impact with objects or surfaces. A blow to the head may result in confusion, dizziness and drowsiness and may include cuts, grazes and bruising. Serious head injuries can cause people to lose consciousness or dead cuts may continuously bleed. Seek medical advice whether minor or serious. Please ensure you have the correct protective helmet.