With winter approaching and snow on the horizon, Eric Turner of JET Physical Therapy says shoveling snow can cause injury if not done properly. The first step to avoiding a shoveling injury is to limber up before going outside. Turner says by doing a few stretches similar to those an athlete would do, your body is less susceptible to cramping and straining. Once you start shoveling, Turner recommends the more you can push the snow, as opposed to lifting it, the better. Pushing puts less strain on the shoulders and neck, as well as the back, which is where he sees the most shoveling injuries.

Additionally, he says if people have to lift, it’s a good idea to rotate sides. When lifting and twisting to shovel snow, Turner says alternating between left and right is beneficial to back health. Finally, Turner says if someone starts to feel fatigued or strained while shoveling, they should take a short break before resuming. He realizes this can be difficult, because often times people are in a hurry to get it done. However, he says a short break can mean the difference between being fatigued and sore, or having a serious back injury. For more information about safe shoveling practices, listen to the In Touch with Southeast Iowa interview with Turner at KCIIRadio.com.