Sporting knee brace
Do you need a knee brace to get you back on the slopes?
Skiing and snowboarding is an exciting and dynamic sport where millions worldwide head to the mountains every year to take part in. There are however, not many sports that are as physically demanding on your knees as skiing and snowboarding. The constant cutting, pivoting and carving movements on often unpredictable terrain really give the knees a good workout. There is one injury that is the curse of skiers and snowboarders and that is the ACL tear. The mechanism of injury is a sudden twisting or pivoting motion, often while the foot is planted on the ground, causing the tibia to shift forward and rotate relative to the femur, which stretches the ACL beyond its capacity and leads to a tear.
An ACL injury can also be associated with an injury to other structures in the knee. Such as the meniscus, articular cartilage and surrounding ligaments. Usually after a period of good rehabilitation you can restore normal function after an ACL tear and most people return to work and most sporting activities within a few months. However current practice generally recommends that if you are returning to sports such as high level football, skiing and other cutting and pivoting sports then an ACL reconstruction and or use of a functional knee brace will aid safe and successful return to these activities.
Whether you’re a professional snowbaorder or only hit the slopes once a year a high-quality knee brace can provide the stability and support that you need to get back on the slopes with confidence.
What are the common ski related injuries?
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tears: Key points about ACL tears in skiing:
An ACL tear while skiing most commonly happens when a skier experiences a "forward twisting fall," where one ski catches an edge, causing the knee to twist inwards and the tibia to rotate internally, putting extreme stress on the ACL, especially when the foot is planted and the body weight is shifted in a sudden twisting motion; this is often described as the "slip-catch mechanism’
Other contributing factors:
Landing awkwardly after a jump: Improper landing technique can also put stress on the ACL.
High speeds: Skiing at high speeds can increase the force of impact during a fall.
Poor technique: Incorrect body positioning and lack of proper knee control can increase the risk of ACL injury.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprains: An MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury is a common knee injury in skiing, often occurring when the knee gets forces inwards. This movement is very common in skiing for example the "snowplow" position, where the ski tips are pointed inwards. An MCL injury is particualy prevalent among beginner skiers and is often caused by a forceful impact to the outside of the knee, leading to a sprain or tear of the MCL.
Meniscus Tears: Occur when the knee twists while bearing weight.
What type of brace do I need for skiing?
There are lots of different types of braces on the market and it can be a bit of a minefield trying to work out which one to buy.
Skiers have specific needs to consider when buying a brace.
1. Stability and Support
You need to be sure that you have a brace that is designed to stabilise the knee effectively from all force on the knee. The Ossur CTi3 is designed to stabilise the knee from excessive valgus and varus forces. In skiing, "valgus force" refers to a force that pushes the knee inward towards the midline of the body, while "varus force" is the opposite, pushing the knee outward, away from the body's centre point.
The Ossur CTi3 knee brace also controls rotation and anterior movement which provides the protection to the ACL.
Clinically proven to help prevent re-injury after ACL surgery
In a study of ACL-deficient skiers, skiers braced with a CTi Knee Brace had 6.4 times less risk of subsequent knee reinjury than non-braced skiers.
2. Comfort and Fit
The fit is important, it needs to feel part of your leg and a poorly fitting brace can be more of a hindrance than a help. At Greenwood Physio you will be measured up and fitted by a trained physiotherapist. The Ossur Cti 3 is incredibly light weighing only 16.5oz and has adjustable straps and contoured padding a snug, comfortable fit that remianss in place during high intensity activities.
3. Durability
The cold, wet environment of the slopes demands a brace that’s made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials. The Ossur CTi 3 is a rigid and strong made out of Carbon Fibre Composite. The hinges are reinforced and the straps and fabrics are durable. Its reassuring to know that the warranty covers the frame & Hinge for 2 Years and the soft areas such as straps for 6 Months.
Ossur CTi®3
Designed predominately for ACL injuries to help people return to cutting and pivoting sports such as skiing, tennis and also popular with motor-cross.
Superior stability with a rigid carbon-fibre frame.
Customizable fit for enhanced comfort.
Durable, lightweight
Can be used for multi-ligament injuries
Trusted by professionals and athletes worldwide
Tim has been brilliant in helping me recover from a re-injury of a previous ACL rupture 3 months ago. Extremely knowledgeable about knee injuries and professional in his approach. He also listens well and is very patient. I was using two crutches up until a month ago. Now I am weight bearing, Still a ways to go though. Sadly I am too old to have a repair on the NHS so its physio and my recently purchased Ossur CTi3. Both are going well and with the guidance from Tim I am hopeful I will get back to my previous fitness and hiking by the end of the year.
see 5-star Google review- Amit Rawal
Contact
Feel free to contact me with any questions and to book an appointment.
Email
legphysio@gmail.com
Phone
07723383852