https://www.athletico.com/2012/12/19/shoveling-safely/ Better for every body. Thu, 23 May 2019 15:52:40 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.2 https://www.athletico.com/2012/12/19/shoveling-safely/#comment-13001 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:36:47 +0000 http://www.athletico.com/?p=6734#comment-13001 As a Physical Therapist who enjoys shoveling (and playing in) snow, this is a great article for tips to keep in mind as you put on your winter gear to get ready to clear that driveway and sidewalk. The best tip I give people is to continue to remain conscious around your posture, hip & knee bend, and spine angle as you move, push, or lift snow. Also, take breaks and do some extension for your spine. Putting your hands behind your back and then leaning backwards 5-10 times will allow your spine some rest and help counter-act all the flexion and rotation that has been occuring. Also, as a father of two, I can tell you that taking a break and playing with the kids in the snow and then return to shoveling is a great way to make sure you do not set yourself up for a repetitive injury. It is the repetition, load, and spinal positioning of shoveling that is the trigger for most shoveling injuries. Be smart while shoveling and be sure to help out a neighbor if they are deconditioned. Shoveling can be great exercise if done properly and if you can do a good deed at the same time, all the better!

]]>