Winter Wanderlust

The North, as a famous Northerner rapper pegs us, loves to travel during the North’s hallmark—a chilly winter. Many opt for a brief southward migration to bask beneath a sunnier sky, cocktails and bug spray in hand, sand in toes. Others prefer to buy local, venturing to nearby powdery hills for a log-cabin chalet and local brew filled weekend of winter sports and festivities. Some, those super beings among us, accomplish a flawless transition from beachy vacay to annual ski trip, shunning the vertiginous difference in climate and geography: the Adventurers. 

But trips take their toll, and not just on the chequing account. Our bodies can only handle so much moving about, so much sleeplessness, and so much wear and tear. Even the G.O.A.T.s among us (think of one Lebron, of the house James) know their limits, push beyond them, and then mitigate the effects through therapy so they can repeat. The body needs its repose, and Physiotherapy during the winter is the perfect antidote to an activity or work filled winter that may predispose you to an injury filled spring and summer that frustratingly holds you back. Not to mention the seasonally-specific injuries that occur during the winter (take note of how many of your friends and colleagues have casts after that ski trip at the cabin).

Many of us tend to experience activity and occupation related injuries during the warmer months, and attribute it to the increase in our output during those times. And yes, while we tend to be more vigorous during this time, those aches and pains we feel can be attributed to the general, albeit unwitting, neglect of our bodies during a crucial period for preventative rehab (prehab). Research has demonstrated time and again that being consistent with bodily treatments throughout the year not only enhances performance and output, but also helps ensure prevention of injury when we intensify things. Once an injury takes place, however, reversing it is certainly more arduous and protracted than simply averting it with prehab.

Physiotherapy during the winter is one of the most effective ways to remain active and prevent injury in the cold, and stave off injuries that are likely to occur when activity intensifies as the climate heats up.

​ Taking advantage of physiotherapy prehab during the winter not only ensures that you thrive during this season, but also banks forward the advantage of a stronger, fitter, more resilient body during the rest of the year. Don’t simply wait till you injure your knee on the slopes, or your wrist on the keyboard and mouse, optimize your health with regular physiotherapy to ensure a pain-free and activity filled year. 

- Daniel Rashid C. PT
Curious to learn more about Daniel and his Physiotherapy practice? View his bio here!

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