Common Ice Hockey Injuries

Orthopedic Surgeon Paramus, NJIce hockey is a fast-paced competitive sport that many American’s love to play during the winter. With all the power, speed, and physical contact that this sport involves, there is a high risk of injury. If you are in need of an orthopedic surgeon near Paramus, NJ, contact New York Sports Medicine Institute to treat your ice hockey injury today! Our highly skilled team will evaluate your injury and determine the best treatment plan for your sports injury. It is our goal to relieve your pain so you can return to the hockey rink comfortably. 

What are Common Ice Hockey Injuries?

Concussion

A concussion is a severe type of brain injury when the brain shifts around inside the skull. This occurs when there is a great impact to the head. The sudden movement of the brain can create chemical changes in the brain and damage to brain cells. Although more polarizing in Football, concussions are also a problem in Hockey due to the collision nature of the sport. 

Back Injuries

Back injuries are common for ice hockey players due to the forward posture while skating. This posture can create stress or a pulled muscle for the low- back area. Stretching before and after playing is an efficient way to prevent these injuries.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are very common in the ice hockey sport. Since ice hockey is a high-contact sport, if there is a direct impact with another player or ice, this will cause shoulder injuries. The most common shoulder injuries are shoulder separation, clavicle fracture, and shoulder dislocation. 

Elbow Injuries

The elbow is a frequent area of contact in ice hockey. Therefore there is a high risk of causing damage. Olecranon bursitis may develop due to the direct impact. The symptoms of this condition are swelling, redness, and pain in the elbow.

Hip Injuries

The hip area is at a high risk of injury because the muscles are used with the skating stride. It is essential to stretch and strengthen the muscles to prevent overuse. Overuse of the muscles can cause hip joint and groin muscle injuries. 

Knee Injuries

Common knee injuries that ice hockey players experience is a tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), tear of the meniscus, and kneecap dislocations. 

Wrist Injuries

Ice hockey players are at risk for fractures, dislocations, sprains, and pain to the wrist area. Damage can occur due to falling on an outstretched hand. 

How Can Ice Hockey Injuries be Prevented?

Ice hockey involves frequent physical contact, fast- movements, and rigid ice. With all these elements, it is essential to prepare properly to minimize potential injury. In some situations, the risk of injury cannot be completely unavoidable. However, by following these steps, the risk of injury will be substantially reduced. 

  • Warm-up/ stretch your body before playing
  • Stretch back, hips, and groin muscles
  • Wear proper gear
  • Train offseason to prepare and strengthen your body 

How is an Ice Hockey Injury Treated?

There are various treatments available, depending on the severity and area of the ice hockey injury. Certain extreme cases require orthopedic surgery to treat the condition and relieve pain. New York Sports Medicine Institute provides an orthopedic surgeon near Paramus, NJ for sports injuries. Our team offers minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for numerous conditions related to shoulder, back, elbow, wrist, knee, and foot. Our orthopedic surgeon also offers hip, knee, and shoulder joint replacement.

If the injury does not require surgery, New York Sports Medicine Institute also offers physical therapy. There are various techniques of physical therapy to approach specific injuries. Physical therapy ensures an optimal healing process to help you return to health. The process also helps after orthopedic surgery for a speedy recovery. Overall, physical therapy is an efficient way to regain muscle, stretch, and relieve the pain. The process will provide you with effective and long-lasting results. 

Orthopedic Surgeon near Paramus, NJ

Contact New York Sports Medicine Institute for an evaluation to determine the correct treatment for you! Our highly professional team will personalize the most efficient treatment to achieve fast and long-lasting results. Please visit our website to learn more about our services offered by our orthopedic surgeon. We look forward to helping you get back to the game!

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