If you recently joined a community hockey league or plan to, the risk of sustaining a sports injury is unfortunately present. Hockey is a high-impact or collision sport, so doing what you can to minimize your injury risk is key. Here are a few common hockey-related injuries to help your preventive efforts. 

What Are Typical Hockey Injuries? 

1. Shoulder Injuries

Playing hockey frequently involves making shoulder contact with other players, as well as the ice and surrounding boards. Sprains, ligament tears, and joint displacements can occur, depending on the severity of the impact and where on the shoulder it occurred. Resting the affected shoulder and wearing a sling to prevent excessive movement are among the treatments for sprains and tears, though surgery might be necessary for serious ligament or muscle tears. If the shoulder is dislocated, a doctor can gently manipulate it back into the correct position. Sufficient shoulder padding is recommended to protect these joints, muscles, and ligaments. 

2. Concussions

Head contact with fellow players can result in concussions, or when the brain moves within the skull. As with shoulder trauma, these brain injuries can also occur from hitting the ice or the hockey field boards. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, fatigue, and blurry vision are typical concussion symptoms, though injured players can also experience confusion or slurred speech. Concussions usually heal on their own. However, it is necessary to remain off all fields of play until these sports injuries have healed. Wearing high-quality headgear during play minimizes the risk of further head injuries. 

3. Back Injuries

Because hockey players are almost always bent over to navigate the ice and their sticks effectively, they can sustain lower back injuries. The flexed position combined with hyperextensions to work the puck with the stick can result in muscle strains and pulls. Rest combined with ice and heat packs provide relief, while back muscle strengthening exercises and hip flexor stretches prevent further pain. It also helps to strengthen the core, as strong abdominal muscles take pressure off of the lower back muscles. 

For professional treatment of your sports injury, hockey-related or otherwise, contact Step By Step Physical Therapy. Serving Wyoming to Erie counties in New York since 1992, these licensed professionals serve anyone with an injury and offer flexible appointment options. There are also three locations for your convenience. Call (585) 786-8700 today to make your appointment or learn more about sports injury services online. Get additional tips on Facebook.