With winter fast approaching in the Denver area, the prospect of dealing with consistent, inclement weather is also on the horizon. Not only is this a concern for those who are unlucky to have to commute in their car to work, it is also something to be cautious of when walking on icy and slippery surfaces. Slips and falls during the winter time can be a major source of injury, regardless of a person’s age. Broken bones, strained muscles, and concussions can all result from an untimely fall, leading to the need for extensive rehabilitation services. Instead of slipping and falling, here are some things you can do to prevent this situation from your Denver physical therapist.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

One of the best, most obvious ways to remain slip and fall free this winter is to constantly remain vigilant and mindful of your surroundings. If snow or ice is on the ground, look at the ground when walking as often as possible to ensure you don’t accidently slip on an unexpected patch of ice. Taking the extra time to navigate icy terrain is another way to mitigate the possibility of falling, as you will have more room for error. Rushin on icy or slippery terrain is a recipe for falling, so give yourself ample time to get to where you are going.

Strength Train and Improve Your Balance

When you slip and fall, clearly you are losing your balance. One helpful way to avoid this situation from playing out is to regularly work on balance strengthening exercises, as this will make you more able to react in the event of a slip. One of the best ways to improving your balance is to strengthen the muscles used to maintain your balance, especially in your legs and core.

Consult a trained physical therapist or personal trainer to get a set of exercises you can perform to reduce the chances of becoming injured as a result of a slip and fall. If you fall, your muscles will reflexibly tighten, making it important to stay limber and perform regular exercises on these muscle groups. Additionally, make sure the shoes and boots you are wearing have adequate traction to help mitigate against slippery surfaces. 

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.