33.42 - Orthopedic Management of the Downhill Skier

Course Description

This monograph discusses downhill skiing as it relates to physical therapy. An explanation of common downhill skiing principles is followed by a description of downhill skiing biomechanics, muscle activity, and the epidemiology of injury. Common traumatic and overuse musculoskeletal injuries that occur while skiing are discussed with evidence-based clinical knowledge and anecdotal pearls incorporated for physical therapist management. Non-operative and post-operative injury management is discussed, including guidelines for returning to sport post-injury. In addition, the reader will be able to use physical therapy and fitness considerations to safely, and successfully, guide patients or clients in a pre-skiing conditioning program. To conclude the monograph, 4 intriguing case reports are presented. Each case highlights clinical reasoning. The first case involves a 15-year-old female who injured her knee while ski racing recreationally. The second case describes a 54-year-old male who acutely strained a calf muscle on the mountain. The third case details the comparison between two 27-year-old females who experienced anterior cruciate ligament rupture in the same week. The fourth case discusses a 64-year-old male ski instructor who experienced low back pain exacerbation while instructing a private lesson.

Course Overview

Course Format: Online

Contact Hours: 5 contact hours

State Approval: AOPT courses are accepted in all states plus the District of Columbia, as allowed by the type of course requirements in state regulations. A small number of states require APTA to seek pre-approval of courses. The approval codes for these states can be found here. Always check with your State Licensing Board to confirm contact hours offered.