If you’ve stepped outside today and thought, “Why does my driveway feel like a skating rink?” — you’re not alone.

Icy, windy days are prime time for slips, trips, and falls. And while some falls are more embarrassing than anything else, others can leave your body feeling pretty unhappy afterward.

At Brentwood Chiropractic Clinic, we see an uptick in fall-related aches and injuries every winter — so let’s talk about what can happen, how to avoid it, and what to do if you do take a spill.

Common Injuries We See After Slips & Falls

Not all falls feel serious in the moment. Adrenaline kicks in, you brush yourself off, and carry on. But a day or two later? That’s when things show up.

Some of the most common injuries we see include:

Neck and upper back stiffness (from trying to catch yourself)
Low back pain (especially if you landed on your bum)
Wrist, elbow, or shoulder pain (classic “brace the fall” injuries)
Hip or tailbone pain
Muscle strains and joint irritation
Headaches that start days later

Kids and seniors are especially vulnerable, but honestly — ice does not discriminate.

How to Reduce Your Risk on Icy, Windy Days

We can’t control the weather (we wish), but we can stack the odds in your favour.

A few simple but effective tips:

Slow down — give yourself extra time so you’re not rushing
Shorter steps = better balance
Keep your hands free (texting + ice = chaos)
Wear footwear with traction (or add ice cleats when it’s really bad)
Be extra cautious in wind — gusts can throw you off balance fast
Assume shiny patches are ice

And yes… penguin walking is officially encouraged.

The Penguin Walk: Your Secret Weapon on Ice

We know it looks a little silly — but the penguin walk is one of the best ways to stay upright on icy sidewalks.

Here’s how to do it properly:

Point your feet slightly outward
Take short, flat steps (no heel striking)
Keep your centre of gravity over your front foot
Bend your knees just a little
Keep your arms relaxed at your sides (not flailing… we’ve all been there)

Why it works?
It keeps your weight directly over your foot, giving you more control and less chance of your feet shooting out from under you.

Pro tip: If you feel yourself slipping, lean forward, not back. Falling forward (onto your hands or knees) is usually safer than landing flat on your back.

Yes, you might look like a penguin.
But penguins are much more stable on ice than we are — and that’s the goal.

What To Do If You Do Slip or Fall

First things first: don’t panic.

Even if you feel “mostly fine,” pay attention to how your body feels over the next 24–72 hours. Pain and stiffness often show up later.

After a fall, we recommend:

Take note of where you landed and what feels sore
Use ice for swelling in the first day or two
Avoid pushing through pain “to be tough”
Get checked out if anything feels off — even mildly

This is where early care can make a huge difference.

At Brentwood Chiropractic Clinic, we often help patients before a small issue turns into a lingering one.

How We Can Help at Brentwood Chiropractic Clinic

Falls don’t just cause one sore spot — they usually affect how your whole body moves.

Our team works together to help you recover properly, not just “wait it out.”

Depending on what you need, that may include:

Chiropractic care to restore joint movement and alignment
Physiotherapy to rebuild strength, stability, and confidence
Massage therapy to ease muscle tension and soreness

We focus on getting you moving comfortably again — whether that’s chasing kids, walking the dog, or just getting through winter without pain.

When in Doubt, Get It Checked Out

If you slipped, fell, or nearly wiped out and your body doesn’t feel quite right — trust that instinct.

You don’t need to be in extreme pain to book an assessment. Sometimes the smartest move is catching things early.

If an icy Alberta day has left you sore, stiff, or unsure, the Brentwood team is here to help.
Book an appointment, come in, and let’s make sure that fall doesn’t follow you around all winter.

Stay safe out there — and watch for the shiny patches