• Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear while walking on icy areas. Bring your other shoes with you and change into them when you reach your destination.
• Use nordic walking poles
• Walk slowly and allow yourself extra time
• Keep an eye on where you are walking
• If you have elderly neighbors or relatives, help them out
• Take care of your driveways and walkways at home, by buying salt or grit to prevent falling at home.

If you fall on ice, here is some advice to how you treat it at home.  Try applying ice to the area for the next 24 to 48 hours, to decrease any inflammation you may have suffered. If the pain is still there, switch to a heat pack instead, but avoid electronic heating pads, as these can cause burns if left on for extended periods of time. Many people tend to ignore their back pain after falling, which can lead to a more serious injury. If you suffer from thinning bones or osteoporosis, go to your doctor for an x-ray, to make sure there are no broken bones. If you do not, your doctor might recommend you to an exercise program or a physical therapist to deal with the pain.

If your doctor gave you a prescription for physical therapy, The Physical Therapy Experience in Oceanside and Smithtown are there for you! We offer all kinds of ways to treat your injuries, including manual therapy and exercises. We can help you improve your balance, muscle strength, endurance and flexibility, to ensure you a healthier lifestyle to keep you on your feet and off the ice!

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