In the winter months, you may see an increase in the number of patients coming to the office on travel therapy jobs, especially if you are working with seniors. So, what's the cause of this? Throughout this chilly time of year, a great deal of the country sees ice and snow – a factor that has been especially true this year. Unfortunately, the poor weather conditions can lead to slips, falls and injuries – most commonly in the elderly. Amanda Helgoe, a physical therapist from Fargo, N.D., told local ABC affiliate WDAY that she has seen more patients than usual due to this season's weather conditions, with some of the most commonly injured areas involving the back, hips and ankles.
Walking on ice
Avoiding an injury isn't the only reason to take precautions when walking on ice, it can also save your life. According to Tablet Infographics, 60 people die every year due to slips on icy pavement. Generally, when we walk, our legs support our weight when we're mid-stride. However, this leads to instability of the body, and often falling. Instead, we should be walking like penguins – let's face it, these birds know what's up. This information is worth sharing with those you are treating on travel PT jobs, as it can prevent further injury. So, how does one walk like a penguin? The key is to maintain your center of gravity, and you can do so by taking smaller steps and keeping your leg straight when weight is put on it.
Other safety tips
There's a lot more you (and your patients) can do to ensure that you don't end up injured after a fall on some ice. CBC News Canada suggests the following tips:
- Wear snow boots when outside – these are designed with better traction that can reduce your chance of slipping.
- Black ice is a danger not only on roadways, but also sidewalks – so, when conditions are right, anticipate ice.
- Everyone is in a rush, especially when sub-zero temperatures hit, but hurrying on slick pavement puts you at a greater risk of falling.
A fall on the ice can lead to strained back muscles after an incident. If this happens to you or a patient you are treating on a travel therapy assignment, Dr. Joseph Chen, a medical director at Iowa Spine Research and Rehabilitation Center, recommends applying ice for pain relief.