Winter conditions significantly increase the risk of slips and falls, whether during winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing or everyday activities like walking on icy sidewalks, clearing snow, and navigating parking lots. Falls on frozen surfaces often result in higher-impact injuries that can affect joints, muscles, and connective tissues.
At Caring Hands Physiotherapy, winter is a peak season for fall-related injuries. Understanding why these injuries occur and how physiotherapy-led care supports recovery can help prevent long-term pain and mobility issues.
Why Winter Increases the Risk of Falls
Snow and ice reduce traction, while cold temperatures cause muscles and joints to stiffen, limiting balance and reaction time. Winter footwear, layered clothing, and reduced visibility further increase risk.
Common contributing factors include:
Ice hidden beneath snow or slush
Cold-related muscle tightness
Reduced daylight and visibility
Fatigue from winter sports or snow removal
This infographic highlights common winter fall injuries caused by snow and ice, including shoulder, neck, and soft tissue injuries, and explains how conservative care supports recovery.
Common Injuries Caused by Winter Falls
Shoulder and Upper Limb Injuries
Reaching out to brace during a fall frequently results in shoulder strains, rotator cuff injuries, or joint irritation.
Related care:
https://caringhandsphysio.com/shoulder-pain/
Neck and Spine Injuries
Sudden impact or awkward twisting can lead to whiplash-type injuries, spinal joint dysfunction, or nerve irritation—sometimes with delayed symptoms.
Related care:
https://caringhandsphysio.com/chiropractic-care-in-calgary/
Hip, Knee, and Lower Limb Injuries
Slips often result in hip bruising, knee ligament strain, or ankle sprains, particularly during everyday walking on icy surfaces.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscle strains, ligament sprains, and inflammation are common after falls and may worsen without proper treatment.
Winter Sports vs. Everyday Falls
While skiing, snowboarding, skating, and snowshoeing involve expected risk, many winter injuries occur during routine daily movement. Unexpected slips often cause awkward falls, increasing the likelihood of complex or multi-area injuries.
Regardless of how the fall occurs, early assessment is key to effective recovery.
How Physiotherapy and Supportive Therapies Help
A multidisciplinary treatment approach can reduce pain, restore movement, and prevent chronic issues.
Chiropractic Care
Helps restore joint mobility, reduce nerve irritation, and correct movement compensations.
https://caringhandsphysio.com/chiropractic-care-in-calgary/
Shoulder Therapy
Targeted rehabilitation improves strength, stability, and range of motion following impact injuries.
https://caringhandsphysio.com/shoulder-pain/
Laser Therapy
Supports tissue healing by reducing inflammation and accelerating cellular repair.
https://caringhandsphysio.com/laser-therapy/
Acupuncture
Helps manage pain, reduce muscle tension, and support the body’s natural healing response.
https://caringhandsphysio.com/acupuncture-in-calgary/
Massage Therapy
Relieves muscle guarding, improves circulation, and supports recovery following trauma.
https://caringhandsphysio.com/massage-therapy/
Shockwave Therapy
Effective for persistent tendon and soft-tissue injuries that do not respond to rest alone.
https://caringhandsphysio.com/shockwave-therapy-calgary/
Common injuries caused by winter slips and falls on snow and ice.
When to Seek Care After a Winter Fall
Consider booking an assessment if you experience:
Pain lasting longer than a few days
Reduced range of motion or weakness
Shoulder, neck, or back pain after a fall
Numbness, tingling, or radiating symptoms
Book an Assessment at Caring Hands Physiotherapy
Caring Hands Physiotherapy offers assessment and treatment for winter fall injuries across our Calgary locations:
Country Hills Clinic
https://caringhandsphysio.com/physiotherapy-in-country-hills-landing/Falconridge Clinic
https://caringhandsphysio.com/physiotherapy-in-falconridge/Beddington Clinic
https://caringhandsphysio.com/physiotherapy-in-beddington/
Early treatment helps prevent chronic pain and secondary injuries caused by altered movement patterns.
