As the fall sport season comes to an end, it’s time to start prepping in earnest for winter sports. One of the more physically demanding winter sports is hockey, and as you get ready for the season, its important to understand how to go about keeping yourself healthy. There are some devastating injuries in hockey that can be prevented with the proper strength and conditioning and knowing exactly what you should be focused on will give you the best shot at reducing your risk on the ice.
In addition to a strength and conditioning program, always properly warming up and ensuring your equipment properly fits and your mouth guard is secure can help to prevent major injuries as well.
Lets break it down and look at some injuries that we can prevent, as well as a sample exercise or two that can help reduce your risk.
Knee Collateral Ligament Strain/Tear:
Work on strengthening your knee musculature as well as your core. From there, maintain adequate flexibility of your lower body as well as learning proper jumping skills and landing.
Concussions:
Develop balance; strengthen your neck, shoulder, and core musculature; play with your head up and “on a swivel”.
Femoral Acetabular Impingement/Hip Labral Tear:
Strengthen and develop lower body musculature of the hips and legs, increase flexibility and range of motion of the hip.
Psoas Tendonitis and Bursitis:
Develop core strength and balance, improve flexibility of the hips and legs, learn proper jumping and landing techniques.
Acromioclavicular Joint Sprain:
Strengthen shoulders and improve scapular stability.