Return to ski Program
From Injury to Peak Performance
Our return to ski program is hands down world class. We believe your return back to skiing should include rigorous strength testing and training, biomechanical assessments to monitor movement patterns, equipment assessment and a specific return to ski program for an on-the-hill progression.
This program was designed by both Dr Laura LaMarche and former USSA ski racer and coach, Dane Spencer, giving you the highest level of experience in physical therapy rehab and ski coaching.
Who is this for:
This program is specifically designed for skies who are wanting to return to the slopes after a knee or hip injury (post ACL reconstruction, meniscal injury, hip injury/surgery. But really, anyone who is interested in learning how to improve their skiing could benefit from components of this program. Reach out if you are wondering if this is for you!
the difference:
Our program combines cutting-edge movement testing, Olympic and World Cup-level coaching, and nearly 15 years of physical therapy expertise to provide skiers with access to elite-level care. We’re passionate about skiing and dedicated to helping you get back on the slopes while minimizing the risk of future injuries.
1: It begins with testing
Ideal timing for your first appointment is around the 3 month post-op for ACL reconstruction, or at the time after injury you are cleared to run.
The first test is a gait analysis test to identify movement asymmetries, followed by a squat test (with progressions to single leg squat and squat jump test. All tests are performed with 3D motion capture and force plate analysis.
2: gear alignment
One of Dane’s specialties is ensuring an optimal fit to the equipment you are heading back to the slopes on. His gear alignment utilizes lasers to help adjust your boots to your ankle and lower leg. He also ensures your boots, binding and skies are not putting you at further risk for injury.
The gear alignment includes necessary boot and binding canting, modifications of the boot insole, and recommendations for more intensive custom modifications and ski tuning.
3: 8 week Strength plan
From your testing, we develop a rehab program based on your individual impairments that target range of motion, strength, force development to prepare you for on-the-snow training.
Ensuring you have the strength, control, and power you need for the demands of skiing is critical after an injury. We determine where the holes are from the testing, and implement a progressive strength program to get you where you need to be!
4: graded ski progression
Getting back into skiing should be a gradual progression, not only to prepare your body for the physical demands of the sport but also to rebuild your confidence and trust after sustaining an injury. On-snow drills are critical for ensuring your balance, edge control, stance are ready for the demands of skiing. Then a ski progression that is a gradual re-introduction to time on the slopes eases you back into the demands of skiing in a healthy manner.
5: On-snow video analysis
How will you really know if you are ready to hit the slopes? What better way to ensure your ski-readiness with an Olympic level ski coach and former USSA ski racer assessing your form with a video analysis!? Getting back to skiing after a knee injury can be physically and mentally apprehensive. A few hours on the slopes analyzing your form and working on improving your skiing stance will no doubt leave you a more confident and resilient skier. Our goal is to bring you out of this injury a better skier than you were pre-injury!
Packages
Base testing
$575
-Gait Analysis and Movement Analysis Testing Appointment (90 mins)
-Skis, Bindings and Boots Alignment Appointment (75 mins).
testing and strength
$775
-Gait Analysis and Movement Analysis Testing Appointment (90 mins)
-Skis, Bindings and Boots Alignment Appointment (75 mins).
-Strength Progression (8 week home program)
-Re-Testing (Gait Analysis and Movement Analysis Testing Appointment)
complete package
$1675
-Gait Analysis and Movement Analysis Testing Appointment (90 mins)
-Skis, Bindings and Boots Alignment Appointment (75 mins).
-Strength Progression (8 week home program)
-Re-Testing (Gait Analysis and Movement Analysis Testing Appointment)
-On-Snow Drills and Ski Progression Calendar
-On-Snow Video Analysis Session: 1/2 Day at most local resorts (inquire for more details)
