Dr. Nicholas Calabrese, Chiropractor | EMPACT Wellness, Burlington, ON
Why Winter Falls Deserve Attention
Slipping on icy or snowy walkways is more common than one may think. The sudden and uncontrolled nature of winter falls can increase the risk of injury. People often land awkwardly on their hands, hips, or back, absorbing forces the body may not be prepared for.
Injuries may not always be obvious in the moments immediately following a slip and fall. Symptoms often begin and may worsen 24-48 hours following the fall as the body’s delayed inflammatory response sets in. This post will help you understand common injuries we see after a fall in the winter months, what symptoms to look out for, and how an assessment can support your recovery.
Common Injuries We See After Slipping on Ice
Studies consistently show that there are increased injury rates in the winter months during icy and slippery conditions. As these falls often happen fast and without warning, the body takes the brunt of the impact in several key areas:
Wrist and hand injuries: Falling on an outstretched hand (FOOSH) is one of the leading causes of wrist sprains and fractures as we instinctively reach out to break our fall.
Shoulder injuries: A direct impact on the side of the arm or the jarring force of bracing during a fall can injure the shoulder joint, AC joint, or the surrounding rotator cuff muscles.
Ankle and knee injuries: The twisting motion that occurs during a slip can overstretch ligaments in the lower extremities, leading to sprains.
Back and hip pain: A fall can transmit unexpected forces through the spine and pelvis. Because of the way muscles tense up during a slip, back or hip pain often appears the next morning rather than immediately.
What to do Immediately After a Fall
If you find yourself on the ground, taking a few intentional steps can help prevent further irritation:
- Pause: Stop for a brief moment before immediately trying to stand up to assess how you feel
- Check for Red Flags: Look for sharp pain, dizziness, or any visible deformity
- Rise Slowly: If everything appears to be okay, stand up slowly and carefully
- Manage Swelling: Applying ice in the early hours following the injury may help reduce pain and acute inflammation
When Does Post-Fall Pain Need Further Attention?
Delayed soreness is common and does not always signal a significant injury. However, you should considerseeking an early assessment if you notice:
- Pain that is not improving or is worsening a few days after the fall
- Limited range of motion or stiffness that interferes with daily activities
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
- Pain that wakes you up at night
Early identification reduces the risk of developing “compensatory” movement patterns, where you move differently to avoid pain, which can lead to chronic issues down the road.
How Chiropractic Care and Rehabilitation Can Help
A post-fall assessment is designed to identify any significant injuries, areas of stiffness, or restricted movement that might not be obvious right away. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring pain-free function through:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on treatment to improve joint mobility in the spine or limbs.
- Acupuncture: Used to help modulate pain, reduce muscle tension, and stimulate the body’s natural healing response in the affected area.
- Soft Tissue Work: Reducing muscle tension caused by the sudden “jarring” of the fall.
- Targeted Rehabilitation: Exercise-based programs to improve balance and strengthen key muscles.
This multi-faceted approach is fundamentally important for building confidence in your movement and supporting long-term resilience, especially when returning to your normal activity level.
If you are in Burlington and have slipped on the ice and the pain is lingering or causing hesitation with movement, an early assessment can help clarify the cause and guide your recovery. You can book an assessment through our online portal or by contacting us directly.
Written by Dr. Nicholas Calabrese, Chiropractor. Dr. Nick works with athletes and active individuals recovering from musculoskeletal injuries, with a focus on restoring movement, building strength, and supporting long-term resilience.