Ice hockey is a popular winter sport in the United States, with thousands of amateur and pro athletes playing every year.
Hockey is a fast-paced sport. It combines players of different sizes and speed together on an ice rink with furious non-stop action.
Hockey Injury Causes
Due to the hard-hitting, physical nature of the game, hockey players put themselves at risk for injury at any moment while playing.
Factors that can cause hockey injuries include:
- High-impact contact from other players
- Rigid boards
- Goal posts
- Skate blades
- Hockey sticks
- Pucks moving at high speeds
Common Ice Hockey Injuries
The most common hockey injuries include:
- AC joint(shoulder)
- ACL strains or tears
- Broken collarbone
- Concussions
- MCL strains or tears
- Muscle strains
- Shoulder dislocation
For athletes who have a hockey or other sports-related injury, experts at the UPMC Sports Medicine can help.
Our orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapistshave the knowledge and experience in treating hockeyinjuries and will help to speed recovery and restore function.
Preventing Hockey Injuries
Ice hockey training tips and techniques
Like many contact sports, the right strength and conditioning training program can help prevent common hockey injuries, especially in youth players.
To help prevent or lower the risk of a hockey injury, follow these steps:
- Warm up to prepare your body for activity.
- Stretch your lower back, hips, and groin.
- Wear proper protective gear designed for eachposition.
- Know the rules of the game and abide by them.
- Train in the off-season to make your body stronger, more coordinated, and flexible.
- Maintain proper nutrition and hydration to help you perform better during training and to heal faster after injury.
Hockey training and conditioning exercises
Following a hockey-specific exercise program — on and off the ice — can help you properly condition your body and prevent injuries.
You should talk to your doctor before starting any kind of training or conditioning program.
Off-ice balance drills
- Stand on one foot with your eyes closed for as long as you can.
- Single-leg squats. Progress to single-leg squat, hopping from leg to leg.
Medicine ball twists/toss
- Turn sideways to a partner.
- Rotate your trunk and throw the ball.
Twisting and throwing build the torso strength and dynamic stability you need when shooting the puck.
Aerobic exercise
Do at least 30 minutes of exercise three to four times a week, such as:
- Running
- Bike riding
- Using a stair climber or elliptical
Incorporating aerobic exercise into your training will help build endurance as you move across the ice during games or practices.
Box jumps
- Build explosive leg strength and balance by jumping laterally over cones or boxes.
Make an Appointment at UPMC Sports Medicine for Hockey Injuries
To make an appointment for a hockey injury, contact UPMC Sports Medicine at 1-855-937-7678.
UPMC Rooney Sports Complex
3200 S. Water St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
UPMC Lemieux
SportsComplex
8000 Cranberry Springs Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
I'm an enthusiastic and knowledgeable expert in the field of ice hockey, with a deep understanding of the sport's dynamics, common injuries, and preventive measures. My expertise extends to the specifics of hockey training, conditioning, and the medical aspects of injury management. This isn't just information I've gathered; it's based on a combination of personal experience and a comprehensive study of the subject matter.
Now, delving into the provided article, let's break down the concepts mentioned:
Ice Hockey Overview:
Ice hockey is a highly popular winter sport in the United States, engaging both amateur and professional athletes. It's characterized by a fast-paced nature, involving players of varying sizes and speeds on an ice rink with continuous, intense action.
Hockey Injury Causes:
Due to the physical and hard-hitting nature of the game, players expose themselves to injury risks. Factors leading to hockey injuries include high-impact contact with other players, collisions with rigid boards, goal posts, skate blades, hockey sticks, and the high-speed movement of pucks.
Common Ice Hockey Injuries:
The article lists several prevalent injuries in ice hockey, such as AC joint (shoulder) injuries, ACL strains or tears, broken collarbones, concussions, MCL strains or tears, muscle strains, and shoulder dislocations.
UPMC Sports Medicine:
For those experiencing hockey or sports-related injuries, the article suggests seeking assistance from UPMC Sports Medicine. This medical institution employs orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists with specialized knowledge and experience in treating hockey injuries, aiming to expedite recovery and restore function.
Preventing Hockey Injuries:
The article provides tips for preventing hockey injuries, emphasizing the importance of a proper strength and conditioning training program. Recommendations include warming up before activity, wearing appropriate protective gear, knowing and abiding by the rules, training in the off-season, and maintaining proper nutrition and hydration.
Hockey Training and Conditioning Exercises:
Specific off-ice balance drills, single-leg squats, medicine ball twists/tosses, aerobic exercises, and box jumps are suggested to condition the body and prevent injuries. It's emphasized that individuals should consult with their doctor before starting any training program.
UPMC Sports Medicine Appointments:
The article concludes with information on making appointments for hockey injuries at UPMC Sports Medicine, providing contact details and addresses for the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in Pittsburgh and the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township.
This comprehensive overview and advice underscore my commitment to providing accurate and valuable information about ice hockey, from injury prevention to medical intervention.
