Prepare for Winter with good shoes and mittens!

As winter approaches and the snow accumulates, the ground becomes more uneven and it is important to prepare for winter and ensure that our footwear is providing adequate stability. Megan Bolin, a physical therapist at Missoula Bone & Joint recommends that you wear a stable shoe or boot that has a firm heel counter, is difficult to twist, and bends in the front instead of in the middle. If you can easily squish or squeeze the heel counter, twist, or fold the shoe in half, then it may be time to upgrade your winter footwear. Winter time can also be a slippery time, and traction cleats may help reduce the risk of falling on the ice or snow. Trekking poles may also be a good investment for added support, especially for those folks who are more susceptible to falling. Hopefully, these tips can help you have a safe and healthy winter! Let it snow!

Megan Bolin is a Physical Therapist and joined the MBJ Therapy team in March 2022. She graduated from the University of Montana School of PT and Rehabilitation Science in 2000 and her career has focused on general orthopedics. She has advanced certification in Functional Dry Needling (FDN), which she has found to be a powerful tool in conjunction with her other orthopedic skills to reduce pain, promote healing, and improve function. Megan, her husband, and two sons love all things Montana including waterskiing, snow skiing, mountain biking, wake surfing, hunting, and fishing.

Choose Mittens Over Gloves

Here is a timely tip from Theresa Brooke, our new occupational therapist, about taking care of our hands now that the snow is here: Choose Mittens Over Gloves!
Keeping your hands warm during the winter is the best way to prevent arthritis flare-ups. Begin wearing gloves when the temperature gets below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your hands warm and prevent joint stiffness. Mittens are often better than gloves, which separate the fingers and can lose their effectiveness in temperatures below about 25 degrees. Having liners in the mittens will keep your hands warm in temperatures well below zero.
If you want more information, check out this article.

Theresa Brooke is a certified hand therapist from Dickinson, North Dakota. She has spent the last 8 years in Phoenix Arizona, studying for and earning her certification in hand therapy. She enjoys getting to meet so many wonderful clients, from all walks of life. In her free time Theresa can be found training for road races or playing piano. Being new to Missoula, she is looking forward to becoming more involved in community activities and giving back.

If you have any questions please reach out to our physical and hand therapy department in Missoula, Montana by calling us at (406)542-4702.

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