Sunderland Back Pain Centre

Osteopathy • Chiropractic • Physiotherapy • Massage

Emergency Bag

For emergency appointments click here

North East Back Pain Centre Phone Number 0191 565 8886

Email: info@ne-backpain.co.uk

Opening Hours

Mon & Tue
8:00am - 7:00pm
Wed
8:00am - 2:00pm
Thu & Fri
8:00am - 7:00pm
Sat
8:00am - 2:00pm

Our Latest News

Getting Back to Work
07/09/2010

view all news

Launch the Interactive Body

We have free on-site parking for patients.

Skiing pain, fitness and safety advice to increase the performance

A Skier Coming Down a Mountain with a Back Safe Technique

Back Safe Skiing

Stay safe this ski season with helpful advice from the Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Massage therapists at Back Pain Centre Sunderland.

The danger time for skiers is 4pm on the 3rd day of the holiday – this is when injury is most likely to occur. After three days of skiing using unaccustomed muscles, skiers have become confident but are physically tired and capability isn’t necessarily matched to confidence.

Performance, ability and safety can be vitally improved by following a few simple tips.
Pre-Ski fitness tips:

  • Jump around – rebounding using a mini trampoline is the latest craze and works all those skiing muscles.
  • It’s a balancing act – balance is the most important single factor in skiing. Use a wobble board to improve balance and build up ankle muscles. Rocking heel to toe is good for boarders, while left to right is best for two ski skiers.
  • Don’t just sit there – squats, abdominal crunches and cycling are also good forms of exercise to strengthen the right muscles.
  • Roll with it – roller-blading is perfect practice.
  • Check it out – most skiers find turning one way easier than the other. Poor technique might not be the problem – muscle and joint alignment could be. Visit us to sort out any spinal joint misalignments and improve performance.

    • Talk to your practitioner or ask at reception about our ‘Ski Conditioning’ Program specifically designed to get you Aligned, Fit and Supple for skiing. You should aim to start your ‘Ski Conditioning’ Program a minimum 6 weeks prior to departure.

    The Right Pair of Ski Boots is Important to Reducing Injury
    Out on the Slopes

  • Hot and cold – warm up before strenuous skiing. Start off gently rather than heading for the black runs; round each day off with a stretch.
  • Have a break – take plenty of breaks. Overexertion will ruin your holiday. Moderate lengths of skiing time and listen to your body; pain is a warning sign, don’t ignore it.
  • Liquid lunch – drink plenty of water and isotonic drinks to avoid dehydration and avoid alcohol, tea and coffee.
  • Wrap up – make sure clothing is warm and adequate for the cold weather. Don’t forget to take a hat and gloves.
  • Put the boot in – no matter how many lessons are taken, skiers won’t improve without the right boots and this is where most skiers put their first foot wrong. Skiers often choose on comfort alone – don’t make this mistake. Get a moulded foot bed from the ski shop first; this improves fit, comfort and ski control. Opt for a shop with a wide range of boots, so you are spoilt for choice.
  • What a bind – if you are prone to going knock kneed or are bowlegged – look out for lateral alignment. Wedges expertly placed under the binding can make a huge difference.
  • Carry on – always be careful when carrying skis/boards. Leave them standing up so you don’t have to bend to pick them up. Carry them over your shoulder, swapping sides regularly.
  • Ice is nice – with an acute injury – use ice rather than heat.
  • Tread carefully – a large number of people become injured by slipping on ice at the ski resort, not just whilst on the slopes. Shoes with a deep treaded sole and strap on studs for ski boots will help keep you upright.

    • Two Smiling Skiers in front of a Mountain ScapeJust one joint or muscle out of line can be a disaster when you are travelling at 40 miles per hour on skis or a board. Weakness, such as Spinal misalignment, can affect all skiers/boarders from beginners to racers. By working with your practitioner to align your body perfectly, you will expend less effort and have more fun using gravity as a tool, not an obstacle, with joints and muscles all pulling their own weight.

    All it takes is a bit of care, attention and common sense to avoid injury.

    Remember pain is a warning – Do not ignore it.

    The information provided is for general guidance only and must not be used for diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.