It’s Not Just Clumsiness: The Brain-Body "Glitch" That Causes Holiday Injuries
We often call the Christmas period the "Silly Season," but the statistics tell a more serious story.
Did you know that between 2019 and 2020 alone, there were over 103,000 ACC claims for injuries during the holiday period? While it’s easy to blame rushing around, navigating crowded shops, or that extra glass of wine, the data shows that falls are consistently the number one cause of injury.
But here is the question we ask at VIP Health: Why did you fall?
Was it really just "bad luck," or was it a breakdown in communication between your brain and your body?
The Science: It’s Not Clumsiness, It’s Connection
At VIP Health, we view falls not as random accidents, but often as a physiological "glitch." To stay upright, your body relies on three critical neurological functions working in perfect harmony.
If any one of these is "off-kilter," your risk of injury skyrockets.
1. Proprioception (Your Body’s WiFi)
Proprioception is your brain's ability to know exactly where your body is in space without you looking at it. It’s how you can touch your nose with your eyes closed. When your spine is misaligned, this "WiFi signal" gets fuzzy. Your brain thinks your foot is on the step, but it’s actually an inch too low. That one inch is the difference between walking and falling.
2. Joint Position Sense
This is the real-time feedback your joints send to your brain. If you are hiking or walking on uneven ground this summer, your ankles need to tell your brain instantly how the terrain is changing. If that signal is slow or distorted, the muscle doesn't fire in time, and you roll an ankle.
3. Reaction Time
This is the big one. If you do stumble, how fast can your brain tell your muscles to fire and catch you? A fraction of a second is the difference between a harmless stumble and a serious injury.
Why this matters: The stakes are higher than a bruised ego. Research suggests that in older populations, a hip fracture (neck of femur fracture) can increase the risk of mortality by up to 96%. Preventing the fall isn't just about avoiding a cast; it's about protecting your life.
The Solution: Clear the Pathways
This is where VIP Health helps you take control. We don’t just treat the pain after you fall; we work to prevent the fall by upgrading your nervous system.
Step 1: The Reset (Chiropractic Care)
Chiropractic adjustments aren't just about bones; they are about neurology. By correcting spinal misalignments (subluxations), we clear the interference in your nervous system. This ensures the "pathways" between your brain and body are open, fast, and accurate. When your brain gets clear data, your balance improves instantly.
Step 2: The Data (3D Biomechanical Analysis)
We don’t guess about your balance; we measure it. VIP Health is the first clinic in Auckland to use the VALD HumanTrak system.
We test your stability with eyes open vs. eyes closed.
We measure your "sway" and reaction speeds.
We can see if you are loading 40% more weight on one side than the other.
This technology allows us to catch these "glitches" before they turn into a holiday injury.
Your Long-Term Solution
You wouldn't drive your car with a broken speedometer, so don't navigate life with a disconnected nervous system. Whether you are an athlete wanting to improve performance, or you are worried about an aging parent's stability, the solution lies in a better brain-body connection.
Don't wait for the fall.
Ready to "Fall-Proof" Your Summer?
Stop guessing and start measuring. Book your Initial Consultation & 3D Movement Scan at VIP Health Parnell today. Let’s look at your metrics and build a roadmap for a safe, active, and injury-free holiday.
If your injury is related to an accident We’re registered ACC providers and you don’t need a referral to come and see us.
👉 Book Your 3D Assessment Online
📞 Call us at 0800 847 069
