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From Slips to Strains: Understanding Common Injuries from Falling on Ice

Updated: Feb 24

The Parkway Back and Foot Clinic Stoney Creek branded image shows a woman who has slipped on ice while going down some stairs outside.

Skating and sliding on ice is super fun if you don’t fall! It’s important to enjoy all the winter activities you can to stay healthy and active throughout the colder months. However, it’s equally important to be mindful of where you walk, run, or glide to avoid injury.


Whether walking on an icy sidewalk or having fun on an ice skating rink, you can slip and tumble, leading to serious injuries that can impact your daily life.


If you have taken an icy tumble or are curious about what can happen and what you can do when it comes to falling on ice, we at Parkway Back and Foot provide insight into some of the most common injuries from winter slips and how chiropractic care, massage therapy, and sports injury pain relief can help you get back on your feet - literally!


Common Injuries from Falling on Ice


1. Wrist fractures

What’s the first thing we do when we start falling? Instinctively, we throw out our hands to catch ourselves from falling. While this might save your face, your wrist takes the hit, and a hard landing can lead to fractures, sprains, or severe bruising.


How do I treat my wrist fracture? 

Minor fractures may heal with a splint or cast, but more severe cases might require surgery. Once the bone heals, chiropractic care can help restore movement and prevent stiffness, while massage therapy can ease residual soreness.


2. Shoulder injuries

Shoulders are particularly vulnerable to injury depending on how you land and the force of the impact. Some examples are shoulder dislocation, shoulder fracture (broken bone), rotator cuff tear, shoulder sprain or AC joint injury, or bursitis or a contusion (bruising).


How do I treat my shoulder injury? 

Mild injuries may only need rest, ice, and pain relief. Assess your pain and mobility. In more serious cases where you can’t move your shoulder or are in severe pain, physical therapy, or even surgery, might be required, so contact a medical professional for evaluation. 


Other options for treatment include sports injury pain relief techniques, such as deep tissue massage therapy, which can reduce pain and restore mobility.


3. Back and spinal injuries

Falling flat on your back is not only painful but can also lead to herniated discs, muscle strains, and long-term discomfort. Some back injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, but they can cause ongoing stiffness and pain later.


How do I treat my back or spinal injury? 

Early intervention is key. Chiropractic care is incredibly effective in helping to realign the spine, reducing inflammation, and improving mobility. If you pair it with massage therapy, you can relieve tension and avoid long-term back pain.


Man and a woman are skating on an outside rink, the man has fallen on the ice and hurt his tailbone as the woman tries to help him up.

4. Hip and tailbone injuries

Landing on your side or buttocks hard can result in bruising, tailbone fractures, or even hip injuries that make walking uncomfortable or even impossible without feeling pain.


How do I treat my hip or tailbone injury? 

Apply ice, rest, and use cushions to help with tailbone pain. If walking becomes difficult, a chiropractor can provide much-needed relief and help with realignment.


How Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy Can Help with Injuries Sustained from Falling on Ice


If you’ve taken a tumble this winter, don’t ignore your pain. Injuries can linger and worsen over time, and seeking professional treatment will make a difference in short-term and long-term pain relief and mobility.


Chiropractors: 

Helps realign joints, improve mobility, and speed up recovery after falls.


Massage Therapy:

Relieves muscle tightness, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.


Ensure you get back to your normal activities without discomfort.


Chiropractic care and massage therapy at Parkway Back and Foot can provide effective relief and recovery for injuries sustained from falling on ice. By addressing injuries early, you can prevent chronic pain and long-term mobility issues. 


Parkway Back and Foot branded image with a man laying on a table in the top left corner getting a neck adjustment from his Chiropractor and a woman in the bottom right corner being treated by a Massage Therapist.

Winter Ice is Unpredictable. Don’t Let Slips and Falls Hold You Back from Enjoying the Outdoors


Sometimes, the winter months can feel long, so embracing the snow and ice and staying active outdoors is essential. It’s true that with ice comes the possibility of slips, but if you sustain an injury falling on ice, chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy will have you back to enjoying winter activities in no time.


Chiropractic treatments can help realign your spine and joints, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve mobility. Massage therapy complements this by alleviating muscle tension, promoting circulation, and accelerating the healing process for bruises, strains, and soft tissue injuries. Together, these treatments support a holistic approach to recovery, restoring function, and preventing long-term complications, ensuring you get back to pain-free movement safely and efficiently.


With a patient-centered approach and state-of-the-art techniques, Parkway Back and Foot Clinic in Stoney Creek is committed to relieving pain and improving mobility. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic discomfort or preventive care, we are here to support your journey to better health. 


Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward feeling your best!



 
 
 

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