What to Know Before Hockey Season Starts to Stop Injuries from Happening
For many, the only consolation they have when winter starts is that hockey comes back into play. This fast-paced sport is full of action, and if you’re the one out on the ice, you’ve got to be ready for the game.
Because hockey players take hard hits and the game is more physical than other sports, you’ll have a greater risk for injury. High-impact contact from the other players, goal posts, skate blades, hockey sticks, and those flying pucks mean you’ve got to be agile out on the ice.
For hockey players, the most common injuries are concussions, muscle strains or tears, dislocated shoulder, and ACL injuries. Physiotherapists can help you manage these injuries so you can get back out on the ice. But why not prevent those hockey injuries to avoid being on the bench all season?
How to Prevent Injuries While Playing Hockey
For starters, the best course of action is to warm up before you get ready to play. This gets your muscles up to speed for the action. You’ll want to stretch your lower back, hips, and groin area to avoid pulls and tears too. And while it goes without saying, you’ll want to gear up for your designated position. Make sure all your protective gear fits right and is in good condition.
Other ways to prevent hockey injuries is to keep fresh with training during the off-season. Getting plenty of exercise and working all your muscle groups will make it less likely for you to suffer an injury when you’re on the ice. Additionally, eating right, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough rest all play a large role in your success at the sport as well as for your health.
You should also get into hockey training and conditioning exercises that will help you stay at the top of your game. Doing balance drills off the ice is beneficial for everyone. Simply standing on one foot with your eyes closed and doing so as long as possible improves that balance.
Another good exercise for hockey players is to do a single-leg squat. Once you master it, hop from leg to leg to build agility. You can also use a medicine ball to do twists for your core, rotating your trunk to throw the ball for dynamic stability and strength that will all help you score that winning goal.
Aerobic exercises are a must for hockey players. It’s recommended that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise 3 to 4 times per week. Run on the treadmill or outdoors, take a bike ride, or use the elliptical machine at the gym. Aerobic exercises build endurance, something that goes a long way during this intense game.
Do you have a hockey or sports injury? Or do you simply need help preparing for hockey season? Whatever your needs, In Your Home Therapy has physiotherapists, personal trainers, massage therapists and more at the ready to come to you when you need help getting ready to win.
