Knees Injuries
Most knee injuries suffered in hockey are sprains or tears to the capsular and/or medial collateral ligaments (MCL). These sports injuries are quite common among hockey players. Tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are rare in hockey as they typically occur more in turf sports such as soccer, rugby, and football. These common hockey injuries can be treated by our team of professional therapists at Fit Physiotherapy. For instance, a sprained MCL can be helped along by using an active range of motion method which will enable you to fully extend and flex the joint. The muscles and soft tissue that surrounds the ligaments are mobilized and the pain can be relieved via ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy.
Deep friction massage can also be utilized to help speed up the healing process. Depending on the severity of the injury, a progressive exercise program can be followed to help a player regain strength in the affected joint. In some instances, knee braces may be worn when returning to the ice or the knee could be taped to help prevent further damage. Whether dealing with sprains and strains or more severe injuries, our sports rehab clinic is equipped to provide comprehensive care to get you back on the ice.
Shoulders and Arm Injuries
One of the most common upper-body injuries for hockey players is a separated shoulder. The Acromioclavicular (AC) joint can be separated if a player falls to the ice on his or her shoulder or is checked heavily into the boards. As well as being separated, a shoulder can also be dislocated. Players may also suffer from fractured hands or wrists if they’re slashed by their opponents’ sticks and the ulnar ligament can be torn which leads to a condition known as gamekeeper’s thumb.
The AC joint can be treated through soft tissue mobilization of the rotator cuff, trapezius, and pectorals. Again, out team at Fit Physiotherapy will speed up the healing and control the pain with ultrasound and TENS therapy along with stretching, active range of motion and specific strengthening exercises. In some cases the player may be advised to wear a strap or brace when returning to action.
When it comes to thumb and wrist injuries such as strains and sprains, the extensors and forearm flexors will undergo soft tissue mobilization. Ultrasound and TENS therapy will alleviate the pain and speed the healing process while passive range of motion, active range of motion, and strengthening and stretching exercises will be performed. Specific wrist and thumb braces are also available for players who require them.
Hip Injuries
Pain in the hips can slow hockey players down or sideline them when there has been abnormal contact in the area between the joint’s ball and socket. Players can also suffer from contusions and muscle tendon strains around the hips. Our physiotherapist will be able to determine exactly where and why you’re feeling pain and will use the proper techniques necessary to help speed up your recovery. To relieve pain and promote healing, this may include strengthening exercises for your core and hips as well as active and passive range of motion and soft tissue mobilization. Finding the right way to treat these injuries is crucial to ensuring a quick and effective recovery, allowing players to return to the ice with confidence.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are common among hockey players due to the physical nature of the sport and the constant twisting and turning motions. These injuries can range from muscle strains to more severe conditions like herniated discs. Our clinic offers chiropractic care to address these issues, providing pain relief and helping to restore proper function to the spine. Chiropractic adjustments can be highly effective in treating back injuries, improving overall spinal health and athletic performance. In addition to chiropractic treatments, our physiotherapists may incorporate strengthening and stretching exercises to support the recovery process and prevent future injuries. Ensuring comprehensive care for back injuries helps athletes get back to playing hockey with optimal performance and minimal discomfort.
Head Injuries
At Fit Physiotherapy we are also experienced in treating and rehabilitating players who have suffered head injuries such as concussions. This type of common injury occurs when a player’s brain is shaken inside of the skull following a forceful impact or collision. It can be the result of a body check or a fall to the ice. A concussion can be the result of a direct hit to the neck, face or head as well as a form a whiplash injury. In general, the majority of concussions gradually heal themselves over a period of about seven to 10 days. However, in more severe cases, the effects may still be felt several weeks later. If you’re still feeling the symptoms of a concussion after three weeks you could be suffering from post-concussion syndrome (PCS). This means you may be dealing with fatigue, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, memory loss, and/or irritability.
Our team of therapists is trained in managing concussion symptoms and can evaluate the cause of the problem and help treat it. Since all head injuries and their symptoms are unique we will thoroughly evaluate your condition and create a personalized plan for your treatment. Many treatments focus on the vestibular system which includes your inner ears and their connections to the brain. If you’re feeling pain, tightness, or soreness in the neck these problems can be alleviated via the management and strengthening of the proper soft tissues. Before returning to the ice, players will also have their heart rates monitored to be sure they’re ready for action.
