Winter in the mountains is undeniably beautiful—but it’s not without its hidden hazards. One wrong step on an icy sidewalk or an awkward twist while shoveling snow can leave you dealing with pain or injury that can put a damper on the season.

Fortunately, many common winter injuries can be prevented with a little preparation, a few smarter movement habits, and some help from the team at Total Motion Physical Therapy.

Winter brings some big changes to our surroundings. Snow and ice create slippery surfaces that make it harder to maintain your balance. Even a thin layer of morning frost can reduce traction and cause your feet to slide unexpectedly.

Cold weather can also make muscles feel stiff, especially if you tend to be less active during this time. That means that when you do get active—such as heading outside to clear snow off a sidewalk—your body may not be prepared for the extra effort.

Understanding these challenges and how you can adjust to them is the key to avoiding preventable injuries.

You don’t have to take a huge fall to develop muscle or joint pain. Even a minor slip can leave you feeling uncomfortable.

If your pain persists or is accompanied by swelling and limited mobility, it’s worth getting it checked out by the Total Motion Physical Therapy team. We’ll assess your symptoms and provide individualized, one-on-one care to help you get back to your favorite wintertime activities.

You can’t control the weather, but you can take steps to protect yourself. And if you’d like more personalized guidance on improving your balance, strength, and stability, Total Motion Physical Therapy is here to help.

Don’t let winter slow you down. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward feeling better, moving better, and living better!

One way to make sure you’re as prepared as possible for the increased risk of slips and falls this winter is to schedule a balance and fall prevention assessment at Total Motion Physical Therapy. This service is an opportunity to have our physical therapists identify any factors that may affect your balance and recommend ways to improve your strength, stability, and confidence when navigating winter’s unique challenges.

A balance assessment helps identify factors that may increase your risk of falling. It generally includes:

• An overview of your health history and specific concerns, such as previous falls, dizziness, or overall goals.
• A walking assessment to observe your steps, walking speed, and ability to change directions.
• Balance testing to check how well you maintain stability while standing or moving.
• Strength testing to evaluate the muscles in your legs and hips that support safe movement.
• An evaluation of functional, everyday tasks such as standing from a chair or stepping over obstacles.

Our team then uses this assessment to develop a personalized treatment plan that pulls from various techniques, including strengthening exercises, balance training, and walking practice. You’ll work through the program one-on-one with an experienced physical therapist who will adjust it as you improve.

• Older adults experiencing changes in strength or mobility.
• Anyone who has recently fallen or nearly fallen.
• Individuals who avoid activities because they’re afraid of falling.
• Anyone nervous about navigating slippery walkways this winter.

Don’t wait for icy sidewalks to test your balance! Contact Total Motion Physical Therapy today to schedule a balance assessment and take a proactive step toward staying steady, strong, and independent this winter.