Orthopedic Local News

A special Thank you video from the Cycle Effect.

A: First and foremost, think snow! Let's all do a routine that incorporates at least one good snow dance before November. Start now by getting your equipment dialed in, skis or boards tuned up. Get your boots sorted out now so that you are not trying to coordinate 100 things the day the mountain opens. If you are skiing or snowboarding competitively, talk to your coaches. No good season starts without watching some old school Warren Miller movies and probably a Matchstick Productions flick as well. In all seriousness sometimes that is all it will take to get you motivated to start making the transition from glowing aspens and dirt trails to deep powder, steep lines, and arcing corduroy. 

A: I joke with people that the only time I ever run is if I am at the airport, however I will break from this tenant as we approach winter.

Some short trail runs and cyclocross add a completely different stress to my body to help me prepare. I combine short hard indoor bike rides with core exercises and agility work. This helps me to get stronger for the upcoming winter and helps me to engage muscle groups that have been relatively dormant throughout my summer season.

The Team Summit Ski Ball was on Saturday at the Keystone Conference Center. The annual event raises money for for Team Summit athletes through a silent auction and a live auction. Always a fun event!

Vail-Summit Orthopaedics and guests

For more ways to support Team Summit Colorado, check out their website:

https://teamsummit.org/events-home/

Dr. Dorf and Vail-Summit Orthopaedics is a proud sponsor of the Cycle Effect. The Cycle Effect is a public charity that allows young women the opportunity to participate in the joys of cycling and grow as an individual.

The Cycle Effect helps young women with stress management and facilitates a healthy lifestyle. They also teach young women about the importance of being involved with the community.

https://thecycleeffect.org/

A: We all obviously try to hang on to summer as long as possible. As the days get shorter however, you have to start to diversify your workout routine. The most common mistake I see is that people just completely blow off their preseason conditioning because they are trying to hang on to summer until the very last minute. Start to diversify your routine now, and you will have a full 6-8 weeks of improving fitness as we move into the next season. Remember, at this point in the year there are only marginal gains that can be made from continuing with your bike or running routine.

Volunteers at World Cup Beaver Creek

The ever so inviting backcountry skiing is not always as harmless as it looks. Below is a powerful video and true story about several very gifted athletes that were unfortunate enough to fall victim to an avalanche. 

Video Credit: BRASS Foundation

It is helpful to be educated on the safety measures available while back country skiing. This is an important message to everyone including our local ski teams who have the potential to be our future Olympians. 

www.teamsummit.org

A: Stretching is probably the most important thing to do throughout the season. Again, low back, hamstring, and quad mobilization can help you to enjoy a long and healthy ski season. A short core session 2-3 times per week can also be really helpful to keep the core engaged throughout its full range.

Early morning training session with only the best.

Good luck this season!

A: I can't tell you how many people end their ski season in November or December after injuring the Anterior Cruciate Ligament of their knee. ACL injuries typically occur after an athlete gets into a position where their body weight is behind their feet. The core is at a serious disadvantage in this position and the athlete then struggles to keep the feet under the center of mass. The weight of the body rotates around the lower body, resulting in a twisting force across one of the knees. The all too familiar "pop" that is experienced in the knee at this time is almost always the result of a complete tear of the ACL. This season ending injury is a guarantee for a great snow year.