A client sits back into a low squat, holding onto the frame of a free-weight rack for support. Kristyn kneels down next to her, bracing her back and showing her proper form.

rehabilitation for snowboarders

Chronic pain and injuries are tough enough to navigate – especially when they get in the way of riding. As a strength coach and Licensed Massage Therapist with a specialty in orthopedics, I have a unique approach to identify, heal, and train around your pain and injuries, so you can shred stronger.

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The body is made up of multiple systems, and snowboarding – like all physical movement – requires them all to be engaged in some way. That means the function of each and every bodily system can have a huge impact on movement, on and off the board.

A client kneels on a gym mat, with one foot extended behind him for support. One elastic band is connected to his right knee, and the other band is connected to his left hand, both pulling in different directions to strengthen his core.

A missing piece in solving the chronic pain puzzle is often a lack of understanding about how the body works. Pain is a message from the brain alerting you that there is a problem; the solution lies in figuring out what it's trying to say. Learning about the brain and compensation is an integral part of resolving the problem, which makes it an important part of training, too.

By combining various movement and manual therapies, we’ll help you achieve long-term solutions for pain and dysfunctional movement patterns that are disrupting your riding.

I believe the best way to track down the cause(s) of pain and dysfunction is to assess the local area by evaluating joint range of motion, type of pain, breathing patterns, and level of strength and control. I then take that evaluation a step further to look for compensation patterns formed in the brain beyond the site of injury and/or pain. We’ll also review your nutrition and external stress that may be a cause of the issue or affecting it in some way.

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Being able to shred for life means taking a holistic approach to your training, nutrition, and body. Are you ready to take that first step and make a change?

Kristyn kneels on the ground, arms extended out in front of her. A client kneels to the side of her, watching Kristyn demonstrate movement and range of motion techniques.

My combined background in massage therapy and strength training means I can utilize these techniques to help you reach your recovery goals:

Orthopedic Massage Therapy for Snowboarders

Orthopedics is a field of medicine that specializes in disease and injury affecting the musculoskeletal system. When a person becomes injured, the brain overrides its normal movement patterns and compensates in other parts of the body to protect the injury, which can cause pain or discomfort. Orthopedic Massage is meant to correct those dysfunctional patterns, thereby alleviating pain. Orthopedic Massage Therapy is a complementary technique that involves musculoskeletal assessment, manipulation, and movement of soft tissues to resolve pain and dysfunction by increasing range of motion.

This image shows a close-up of a client's back, where Kristyn is rolling out and applying RockTape.

RockTape Tools for Snowboarding Rehab

The RockBlade©, created by RockTape© is an effective tool to increase range of motion and decrease pain associated with fascial adhesions. The tool is controlled microtrauma to produce an inflammatory response to initiate the remodeling of the affected region(s).

RockTape© is an extremely durable kinesiology tape. It is designed to aid in the treatment and healing of various injuries as well as improve physical performance by:

  • promoting blood flow

  • assisting in the drainage of swelling to an injured area

  • mind body connection

This image shows a close-up of Kristyn using Graston tools on a client's feet to repair fascial adhesions and improve injury recovery.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) for Snowboarding Recovery

Scar tissue and fascial adhesions can develop after an injury. Since the entire body is web of fascia, restrictions in one area can not only limit range of motion and cause issue at the site, but also anywhere throughout the body. IASTM can help increase your range of motion.

This image shows a close-up of Kristyn applying silicone cups to a client's calf to aim in recovery after a leg injury.
From a staggered stance, Kristyn throws an exercise ball at the brick wall in the Shred Strong gym. The ball is blurry with motion, and Kristyn exhales as part of her brace breathing to give the throw force.
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Strength Training for Snowboarders

Strength training is imperative to your success. No matter what level rider you are right now, strength training will take you to the next level. The stronger you can become off your board the stronger you will be on the mountain.

Properly progressed strength training allows the body to maintain strong and healthy joints. Movements such as squats, deadlifts, lunges, pushups, pull ups, carries, etc., assist the rehabilitative process by transforming weak movement patterns into strong ones in order to reduce pain, improve performance, and help you feel good on and off the mountain!

Are you ready to get started with a strength training program customized for snowboarders – and you?