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Avoiding Early Injury
Advice from a U.S. Ski and Snowboard Teams' Doctor
Take a refresher course. Whether you're planning to while away the day on the bunny slope or taking on the double-diamond, the first few outings are a prime time for a pre-ski lesson. "A brief 30-minute group or private lesson provides an opportunity for novices to practice in a controlled situation, and allows experts to hone skills that have lain dormant for months," Dr. Plancher says. He encourages skiers to practice falling safely as well, paying attention to the positioning of poles and bindings to reduce risk of ligament strains. "What's more, a lesson will give participants insight into the particular resort's topography, the day's snow and weather conditions and other variables that can affect performance."
Recognize the injury. "The temptation to ski or board through an injury, especially in the first few days of the season, is understandably high, because participants have been waiting for months to return to a sport they love," Dr. Plancher says. "However, recognizing the injury and relieving pressure on the ligaments immediately are critical to reducing the long-term affect of the injury and getting them back onto the slopes as quickly as possible." Sudden pain after a fall or during a maneuver in which the ligaments are in flex, or a "popping" sound at the knee followed by acute pain are signs of ligament injury and should prompt skiers and boarders to seek help in evacuating the slope.
