Ice Skating Rookies Should Learn How to Fall

An entertaining winter pastime, ice skating in Boise offers a great workout, but it can also be hazardous if you have never participated in the activity before. Even intermediate-level skaters should know that orthopedic injuries such as muscle sprains, strains, wrist fractures, and ACL tears are common yet preventable traumatic injuries.

Because damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones can have lifelong consequences, everyone should know how to prevent injury from falls while ice skating. Here are some great tips for rookies:

• Learn the correct stopping technique. Ice skating is very different from roller skating in that if you try to stop using the front of your skates, it will propel you to the ice. To stop safely while ice skating, your foot should be planted firmly into the ice and then the blade gently pushed lengthwise out to the side.

 

• While it may seem natural to fall forward and put your hands out to catch you should you fall while ice skating, you should try to fall on your backside if at all possible. The cushion provided from your glutes and other muscles helps to protect your spine and legs while absorbing shock to minimize the damage.

 

• When falling, try to keep the arms as close to your sides as possible and avoid using your hands in the process. Wrist fractures, rotator cuff tears, and other injuries occur when your arms and wrists try to withstand the weight of the body.

 

• Practice makes perfect. Try to practice falling the right way before you go skating to train your brain how to suitably fall to avoid trauma. Practice falling both on and off the ice, while in motion and being still.  

As with any sport or activity, you should always choose proper gear including footwear, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads. Be sure that your skates fit comfortably but safely, providing ample ankle support to help you maintain balance. When renting ice skates, make sure that the blades on the skates are sharpened so they properly navigate around the ice. The ice that you skate on should be strong and clear of any imperfections, and been designated as a safe-skating zone.

Ice skating injuries can take longer to heal if proper care isn't received at the time of injury. A Boise orthopedist can provide direct orthopedic care without a referral, saving you both time and money over the cost of visiting an ER. 

Source : articlesbase.com