Residents get ready to hit the slopes

MONTROSE  —  Area residents were tested on their physical readiness for this year’s snow season Saturday morning at the first Ski and Snowboard Expo.

Hosted by Montrose Memorial Hospital’s Regional Rehabilitation Center, physical therapists were on hand at different stations evaluating the physical fitness of participants.

“What we tried to do through the expo is give people an idea of their base line and areas they need to improve on,” physical therapist supervisor Joelle Grossman said. “We encourage wellness.”

There were several stations set up in the Montrose High School gym, and each station had a physical therapist that provided tests and advice. The stations included lower extremity analysis, functional strength, knee stability testing, flexibility, conditioning and balance.

Grossman said the group thought hard on what sessions to provide at the expo during the planning stage, which started only a couple months ago.

She said each station dealt with areas that will be used this season while skiing or snowboarding.

Because most riders are injured during the first couple days of their season, she said, one area tests how much fatigue one can experience and still perform. With a seasonal sport, she said people think they can just pick up where they left off. This is how injuries occur and working out year round is a preventative measure.

Flexibility, she pointed out, is one of the most important components to wellness.

“Of all (the stations) — they all play a part — but I’d say stay flexible,” Grossman said, adding it’s the awkward falls that lead to damaged joints.

Montrose resident Irma Hofmann, 73, attended the expo to see if she could get “one more run in.” Getting up in age, she said she’s not sure if she should do another season because her calves cramp.

Her age doesn’t dampen her excitement to get back to the slope. During a presentation on injuries, she said jokingly, skiing on a mountain, “wouldn’t be all that bad of a place to go (die).”

At 9:30 a.m., center director Thomas Dwyer presented the types of injuries most common to skiers and snowboarders. Through pictures of X-rays, he demonstrated what happens, how it happens and how the injury could have been prevented.

Alex Schofield, 15, attended the expo with his father, John. John Schofield said his son plays soccer for Montrose High School and is in pretty good shape, but has had injuries in the past. As a parent, he also knows his son is getting to be a much better snowboarder and is taking more risks.

Physical therapists checked the ligaments in his knees relative to his feet, John said. “It’s good to get him checked out to prevent the injuries from last year,” he said.

The therapists provided Alex with stretches to do, specific to his situation. They also mentioned orthopedics to help with the alignment of his legs.

“Now he over compensates on one side, making him more prone to injury,” John said. “It’s good for Alex to hear it from other people — not his parent.”

Grossman said the first expo went well, but already she’s aware of a few changes. Businesses, such as Crested Butte Mountain Resort, set up booths. She said next year they’ll also coordinate with Telluride’s ticket sales.

Minette Pool, owner of the new Dynamic Movements, a pilates and fitness studio in Montrose, had several pilates’ mats set up. She was showing attendees a 15-minute mat routine, an exercise they could do at home.

She said pilates provides good conditioning for winter and summer sports, working with the “core” part of the body.

Grossman said eventually she would like to hold two expos a year, for both winter and summer activities, such as golf. But continue to host the event during October, Physical Therapy Month.

Contact Kati O’Hare via e-mail at katio@montrosepress.com