Have You Checked Your Landing Gear? Preparing Your Body for Ski Season
By Heidi Osborne, Physiotherapist
For many Calgarians, December means one thing — ski season. The mountains are calling, and the first snow reports feel like an invitation you’ve been waiting for all year. But before you wax your skis or strap into your board, here’s a question worth asking: have you checked your landing gear?
Your Body Is Part of Your Equipment
As a physiotherapist and provider for Canada’s National Snowboard Team, I’ve seen what happens when athletes skip the foundational work. It’s easy to focus on gear, goggles, or conditions, but your body is your most important piece of equipment.
The hips, knees, and core act as your “landing gear.” They absorb impact, stabilize your turns, and keep you upright on uneven terrain. If any part of that system is injured, tight, or facilitated, small imbalances can become big problems — from knee sprains to back pain or hip overuse injuries.
The Science of Pre-Season Prep
Research consistently shows that strength, balance, and proprioception (your body’s sense of where it is in space) are key predictors of injury prevention in snow sports. Pre-season conditioning that targets these areas improves performance and reduces the risk of ACL and MCL injuries — two of the most common reasons skiers and snowboarders end up in the clinic mid-season.
Here’s what I recommend focusing on:
- Dynamic strength: Squats, lunges, and single-leg work that mimic ski movements.
- Balance and coordination: Try wobble boards or single-leg stance work to engage stabilizers.
- Core and glutes: A strong midsection supports smoother transitions and better landing control.
- Mobility: Adequate hip and ankle range of motion helps absorb shock and prevent awkward torque.
Even 10–15 minutes, three times a week, can make a measurable difference.
Why It Matters
When you’re skiing or snowboarding your body needs to respond instantly to changes in snow, speed, and slope. A split second of fatigue or tightness can be the difference between a clean landing and a crash. By investing in your “landing gear” now, you protect your ability to enjoy the season fully.
Compassion Over Competition
Whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, ski season should bring joy, not fear of injury. I always remind my patients: preparing your body isn’t about perfection, it’s about confidence. You deserve to feel capable and ready when you click into your bindings.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider booking a pre-season assessment. Together, we can identify muscle imbalance, fine-tune your proprioception, and make sure your landing gear is ready for take-off.
Staff Spotlight:
Heidi Osborne,
PT, Clinic Director, BScPT, IMS Certified
With over 25 years of dedicated practice, Heidi Osborne brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to helping athletes and everyday movers alike. She graduated with honours in Physiotherapy from the University of Alberta in 1997 and has since built a career across sports and private practice settings—from North Vancouver and Whistler to Cochrane and now Calgary. Her post-graduate credentials reflect her strength in manual and manipulative therapy, sports first-responder work, intermuscular stimulation/dry needling, and diagnostic imaging. Heidi has supported elite Canadian teams including the National Freestyle, National Snowboard and National Ski Cross teams, served as the Western Physiotherapy Coordinator for the Canadian Snowboard Federation, and attended the 2010 Vancouver Olympics as part of the Canadian Snowboard team. Her special interest in spinal conditions, sports and dance injuries pairs seamlessly with her desire to see clients of all ages—from children to seniors—move with strength and confidence. When she isn’t in the clinic, you’ll find Heidi walking, skiing, hiking, or mountain biking—living the movement-rich lifestyle she encourages her clients to achieve.
How to Make the Most of Your Insurance Benefits
As the year winds down, now is the time to check your insurance coverage. Many health plans reset in January, which means you may have unused benefits that will expire soon.
Don’t let them go to waste. Schedule a Momentum Health appointment before the end of the year to make the most of your healthcare plan.
How Insurance Works (And Why Timing Matters)
Most extended health insurance plans cover a set dollar amount or a specified number of visits per year for specialty services. These benefits usually reset every calendar year, so any unused portion doesn’t carry over. If you haven’t used your full coverage, you’re essentially leaving money on the table.
Using your benefits before they expire:
- Ensures you get the full value from your plan.
- Helps you start new treatments or finish existing ones without interruption.
- Gives you a chance to plan follow-up visits for the new year so you have a head start on recovery.
Another benefit? Things often slow down at our clinic during the holiday season, only to pick back up in January. Using your benefits now allows you to get the care you need with shorter wait times.
Take Advantage Before Your Benefits Reset
Your health benefits are meant to be used. At Momentum Health, we offer a full range of health and wellness services, including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and more. If you have unused benefits, now’s a great time to try a new service and get a head start on your health goals in 2026.
If you’re unsure of your coverage, our staff can help you verify your benefits or submit claims through direct billing. Schedule an appointment today to get started.
Maximize Your Ski Performance: Custom Orthotics for Ultimate Control & Stability
Dr. Denis Simons, Chiropractor and ski enthusiast, shows us how custom orthotics enhance your skiing potential. In this introduction, Dr. Simons shares his tips on achieving optimal foot alignment for enhanced control, stability, and stamina on the slopes. Whether you’re a seasoned skier looking to elevate your game or a novice seeking greater comfort and posture on the slopes, custom orthotics enhance your skiing biomechanics for peak ski performance.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Get ready for a strong, safe ski season by scheduling an appointment at Momentum Health, where our experts help you prep your “landing gear” with targeted strength and mobility work. Whether you’re preventing injury or boosting performance, we’ll make sure your body is primed for the slopes.
We’ve Been Nominated — And We Need Your Vote!
Top Choice Wellness Centre of 2026 in Calgary
Momentum Health is honored to be nominated for Top Choice Wellness Centre of 2026 in Calgary! Voting opens November 20th at 12 PM EST and runs until December 18, 2025 — we appreciate your support!
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Tasty Recipe: Monkey Bread
From Marketing Coordinator Melissa’s Aunts: Delores & Rose
At our house, Christmas morning doesn’t officially start until the irresistible aroma of Monkey Bread fills the kitchen. This beloved treat, passed down from Aunt Delores and Aunt Rose, is finger food enjoyed by everyone as we open gifts. Gooey cinnamon-sugar bites coated in buttery syrup make unwrapping presents even sweeter, creating a warm, delicious tradition that brings the whole family together.
Ingredients:
For the Syrup:
- 1 stick butter
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon white Karo syrup
For the Dough:
- 4 cans Pillsbury refrigerated biscuit rolls
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Butter a Bundt pan generously and set aside.
Prepare the Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, melt together butter, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and Karo syrup.
- Bring to a boil while stirring continuously, then set aside but keep warm.
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large resealable bag, mix ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Working with one can of biscuits at a time, cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Shake the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar bag to coat.
- Layer the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared Bundt pan.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the warm syrup evenly over the biscuit pieces.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool slightly, then invert onto a serving plate.
Tips & Serving Suggestions
- For extra gooey monkey bread, serve warm straight from the oven.
- Add a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat in the oven for 5–10 minutes to bring back the gooey goodness.
Welcome to Our Newest Staff Members!
Nikola Zivanovic Mahogany Kinesiologist
Madeline Grenier West Springs Kinesiologist
