Everyone gets excited for 'New Bike Day', including me. But I also get really excited for 'New Bike Helmet Day'! When was the last time you replaced your bike or ski helmet? If you don't know off the top of your head, it might be time to get a new one. Even if you haven't used the helmet much, either from lack of riding or lack of falling on your head, the recommendation is to replace your helmet every 5 years, according to helmets.org. If you're not sure how old your helmet is, a manufacturer sticker on the inside of the helmet will tell you. If it's not there, or the numbers are worn away, that is a good indication it's time to get a new helmet. I recently bought the stylish Forefront 2 by Smith because I like the colors, but more importantly, I really like the researched back, concussion reducing force technology.
Why Are Helmets So Important?
I first started wearing a ski helmet circa 2010 because it kept my head warm on frosty ski days. Then I become a concussion and vestibular certified physical therapist and quickly realized there were a lot more reasons to wear a helmet. Although there is no "concussion-proof " helmet, the research indicates that a helmet reduces the rotational and shearing forces that associated with concussions. Read more of the research here.
Better Technology for your Brain!
Multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS) has been around for 25+ years and is now common in most helmets on the market. If you're not sure your helmet has it, look on the inside and if there is a thin plastic layer attached to the inside, you have it! MIPS isn't the only force reducing technology on the market, POC helmets have their own proprietary technology, Shearing Pad INside (SPIN), which perform similar to MIPS in the research. Koroyd and WaveCell are additional helmet material technologies that are often combined with MIPS, like in my new Smith helmet. Koroyd is in my new Smith helmet and is the honeycomb looking material that performs by acting as "tubes [that] crumple instantly and consistently on impact, absorbing maximum force in a controlled manner, minimizing energy transferred to your head". Simply put, I think MIPS + Koroyd = 2 is better than 1.
My Personal Story
It's actually my husband's story, but I had to witness the pain and recovery associated with his mountain bike crash 5 years ago. Luckily, I had just bought him a new helmet, complete with MIPS by Troy Lee Designs, about 6 months prior to this bike accident. I am 100% convinced this helmet saved him from a brain injury as the force of the impact on his head was enough to cause a fracture through the posterior part of his C6 vertebrae. Although he was lucky to escape this crash without any concussion symptoms, and without a spinal cord injury, the fracture and associated nerve injury was still a lot of manage. Luckily the neurosurgeon did a great job and Kris healed very well from a C6-7 anterior fusion and is able to bike again without any issues!
Helmet technology will continue to improve - more reasons to upgrade your helmet every few years! It is doubtful that any helmet will be able to completely eliminate the risk of concussion, but anything helps! As a provider that treats concussions, I see first hand that even a mild brain injury can lead to life changing symptoms. Anything that can reduce the risk of getting a concussion is worth it!
Need help with concussion or dizziness symptoms? Book an appointment here (virtual and in-person appointments available).
Dr Jessica Klain PT, DPT, COMT, CSCS, OCS, CNPT
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT)
Certified Nutritional Physical Therapist (CNPT)
Certified Vestibular Specialist
Certified Concussion Specialist
Trigger Point Dry Needling Certified, Level 1&2
Certified Yoga Teacher
University of Florida, Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2009)
The Ohio State University, Bachelor of Science in Biology (2006)
Call/text: 720-295-0060