Top 5 Ski & Snowboard Injuries & What To Do About Them

1. Whiplash

Common Causes: Catching an edge on your snowboard, hitting an unexpected cat track, or taking a hard fall while skiing or snowboarding.

Symptoms: Sore, aching, or stiff neck that develops later in the day or overnight. Severe cases may involve difficulty supporting your head, which can signal ligamentous instability or even fracture.

What to Do:

• Rest your neck and avoid repeated stress until pain subsides.
• If you need to hold your head with your arms to get out of bed, seek medical care immediately. Static X-rays can reveal fractures, while flexion/extension X-rays are best for identifying ligament instability.
• Even if you didn’t hit your head, whiplash can still cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to rapid head movement.

How We Help:

• Early-stage care includes pain management using interferential current electric stim, gentle soft tissue work, and kinesiology tape for support.
• As your injury heals, we incorporate Active Release Techniques (ART) to reduce scar tissue and restore muscle function. Chiropractic adjustments are often beneficial at this stage to restore mobility, followed by strengthening exercises for resilience.

2. Ache Behind the Knee

Common Causes: Overuse from skiing, snowboarding, or prolonged hiking in winter conditions. The tendons of the hamstring and gastrocnemius cross behind the knee and can become irritated.

Symptoms: A dull ache behind the knee, often triggered by activity.

What to Do:

• Foam roll your hamstrings and calves regularly to improve mobility and reduce tension.
• ART is highly effective in relieving inflammation and improving mobility in this area.

How We Help:

• We use soft tissue techniques, manual therapy, and targeted exercises to alleviate tension and restore proper movement patterns.

3. ACL Tear

Common Causes: Landing awkwardly during skiing, snowboarding, or ice sports; sudden changes in direction or twisting forces on the knee.

Symptoms: Audible "pop," knee instability, and swelling.

What to Do:

• Apply ice, elevate the leg, and rest as soon as possible.
• If you suspect an ACL tear, book an appointment for orthopedic screening tests. We perform the same assessments used by orthopedic specialists and PTs to identify ligament injuries.
• If imaging reveals a tear, PT before surgery improves outcomes, and PT post-surgery is crucial for recovery.

How We Help:

• Early care involves reducing swelling, improving range of motion, and developing a strategic strengthening plan to restore knee stability.
• Post-surgical care often involves addressing lingering issues with the hamstring and popliteus to prevent long-term discomfort and mobility issues.

4. Concussion/TBI

Common Causes: Hitting your head during a fall, even while wearing a helmet.

Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, balance problems, memory issues, nausea, or ringing in the ears. Symptoms can appear immediately or develop hours later.

What to Do:

• Always wear a helmet—especially one with MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) technology, designed to reduce rotational forces in angled impacts.
• If you experience symptoms of a concussion, seek medical evaluation promptly.

How We Help:

• We focus on reducing muscle tension in the cervical spine and restoring balance, coordination, and vestibular function as you recover.

5. Shoulder Injuries

Common Causes: Falling on an outstretched hand (FOOSH), impact injuries, or twisting forces.

Common Injuries:

• Dislocation
• Labral tear
• Rotator cuff injury
• AC separation
• SLAP tear

What to Do:

• Strengthen your shoulders, core, and hips to improve stability.
• Avoid falling with your arm extended—instead, tuck your arm close to your body to reduce risk.
• Use ski poles with wrist-release mechanisms to minimize impact forces.

How We Help:

• For minor strains, we focus on reducing muscle tension and improving shoulder stability.
• For more severe injuries involving numbness, paralysis, or significant weakness, we recommend diagnostic imaging and appropriate specialist care.