If you are a snowboarder, living for the adrenaline rush may be your main reason for enjoying the sport. While snowboarding is a fun sport for all ages, it can also cause some severe injuries -- especially to your shoulders. Your shoulders not only help you keep your balance and provide direction when snowboarding, they also can protect other parts of your body by taking the brunt of a fall.
Causes
Snowboarding requires special skills of balance and coordination to maneuver through uncertain terrain. You can easily reach high speeds when descending a hill. Even on familiar slopes, you can lose your balance or be faced with bumps or drops that can cause you to lose control. One of the main causes of snowboarding injuries -- including the shoulder, involve inexperience on the slopes and not knowing how to steer away from sudden obstacles.
Types
The shoulder can be the one of the first places a snowboarder makes contact with the ground. Snowboarders often land on a shoulder and/or a wrist. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, common shoulder injuries include rotator cuff tears, instability or dislocation of the shoulder joint and impingement or rubbing together of the shoulder muscles resulting in excessive injury or strain.
Treatment
As soon as you recognize your injury or have consistent numbness or pain after a snowboarding accident, seek first aid or emergency help. Many shoulder injuries require icing of the shoulder to prevent inflammation. Your physician may recommend physical therapy along with injection therapy to improve muscle tone and strength. If it is determined by a medical professional that your shoulder injury is severe, treatment may include traction, immobilization or orthopedic surgery
Prevention
Taking preventative measures before you hit the slopes can help you avoid shoulder injuries. Exercising daily ensures that your muscles are strong and flexible. Improving mobility on the slopes helps prevent injuries because you are better able to utilize lower body strength and promote balance and stability. Make sure that your equipment is in good working order. Make sure your boots fit properly fitting boots and your board is free of cracks. Wearing a helmet along with shoulder, knee and elbow pads reduces the chances of serious injury on the slopes.
