Common Hand and Wrist Injuries from Skiing and Snowboarding — And How Hand Therapy Can Help

We have been fortunbate enough to have had a wonderful ski season in Victoria this year. Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are exhilarating — but they also come with a high risk of hand and wrist injuries. Falls, awkward landings, and catching yourself with your hands can lead to painful conditions that impact not just your time on the slopes, but your daily life as well.
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Common skiing and snow boarding injuries we see at CHR

1. Skier’s Thumb: A common injury where the thumb ligament (UCL) is torn or sprained, often caused by falling while holding a ski pole.
2. Wrist Fractures: Falls onto outstretched hands can result in broken wrist bones — particularly the radius or scaphoid.
3. Wrist Sprains: Ligament strains from sudden impacts or twists during a fall are very common among snowboarders and skiers.
4. Finger Dislocations or Fractures: A direct blow or fall can dislocate or break fingers, affecting grip and fine motor control.

​How Hand Therapy Can Help you recover from your snow sports injury?

​​ Our hand therapy clinic offers expert rehabilitation for these types of injuries, helping you recover faster and return to activity safely.
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We focus on:

• Swelling and pain reduction through manual therapy and modalities such as ice and heat
• Custom splinting, bracing or taping for protection and support during healing
• Restoring motion and strength with tailored exercise programs
• Re-education of movement patterns to reduce re-injury risk
• Guidance for return-to-sport including safe progression and technique tips

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​Don’t Let a Fall Sideline You

​Whether you're a seasoned snowboarder or hitting the slopes for the first time, injuries can happen. Early hand therapy is key to a full recovery and preventing long-term issues.
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If you’ve hurt your wrist or hand while skiing or snowboarding, reach out to our clinic. We’re here to help you heal, rebuild strength, and get back to doing what you love.