Lacrosse Injury Prevention

Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing team sports in America. It is played by girls and boys and is played by people of all ages, including student-athletes. There are a lot of elements to the sport, including endurance running, explosive movements, quick changes in directions, and physical contact with sticks, the ball, and occasionally other players. This combination can lay the groundwork for many sports-related injuries if the player is not careful or prepared. If you have been injured playing lacrosse, reach out to New York Sports Medicine Institute to talk to a sports injury specialist NY, and get the help you need today.

Common Lacrosse Injuries

Because of the various components in a game of lacrosse, there are certain injuries that are much more common for players to receive. By putting the stress of high speed, agility, and explosive movements on their bodies, lacrosse players are more vulnerable to certain injuries. While lacrosse is a moderate risk sport with most injuries resulting in minor strains, sprains, and bruises, there are other more significant injuries that can occur. If you have received an injury from lacrosse, and need to speak to a sports injury specialist in NY, contact us at New York Sports Medicine Institute and see how we can help! Some common lacrosse injuries include:

  • Knee Injuries: This includes strains, pulls, and tears, including ACL tears. This is commonly linked with the explosive movements that are used in lacrosse games. ACL tears, along with other knee injuries, are the leading cause for lost game and practice time for athletes.
  • Overuse Injuries: These injuries occur when the body is worked beyond its capacity. Some specific overuse injuries that lacrosse players experience include stress fractures, jumper’s knee, and Osgood-Schlatter’s disease.
  • Non-contact sprains and strains: Sprains in the knees and ankles make up 15-21% of lacrosse injuries sustained by players. However, hamstring, quadriceps, groin, and hip flexor strains are also very common injuries.
  • Contact Injuries: this includes injuries from the body to body contact, body to ground contact, and occasional injuries from sticks or balls. These tend to result in injuries such as concussions, or in rare cases, commotio cordis.

In the advent of any injury, the player should stop and get an assessment. For minor injuries, rest, ice and elevation are generally enough treatment. However, in cases of more serious injuries, longer periods of rest, as well as rehabilitation and in some cases surgery may be required. To meet with a sports injury specialist NY and get evaluated and treated, call us at New York Sports Medicine Institute and make an appointment.

Ways to Prevent Lacrosse Injuries

There are many steps players, coaches, and officials take to prevent injuries while playing and practicing a sport. By following these steps, injury rates can be brought down and limited. Some things to keep in mind to prevent injuries include:

  • Respect the rules and guidelines: Although contact is allowed in lacrosse, unprotected and illegal hits should be avoided. Rules that promote free play and limited contact should be adhered to by players and coaches.
  • Wear complete and appropriate equipment: Equipment should be sized to fit and players should not modify equipment.
  • Be constant and vigilant in your conditioning: Stay in shape all year long. Do off-season conditioning and pre-season drills geared for lacrosse. Plyometrics, cardiovascular, and strength training should be key parts of your training. Warm-up properly before workouts, practices, and games.
  • Take proper Breaks: Athletes should look to take 1 to 2 days off a week during the season, and 1 to 2 months off a year to prevent burnout, stay fresh and prevent overuse injuries. 
  • Have a plan: Lacrosse teams should have a plan for injury prevention, educational programs for their players, and an open line of communication to talk about injuries, pains, health concerns, and goals in order to put in the right steps to avoid and treat injuries.

Sports Injury Specialist NY

Although lacrosse is a moderate risk sport, without the proper education and safety procedures injuries and mistakes can occur. Depending on how severe the injury is, and how appropriate the treatment you get is, injuries can take off game and practice time, and affect your long term health. To speak with a sports injury specialist NY and get the proper assessment and treatment you need, reach out to us at New York Sports Medicine Institute and make an appointment today!

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