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Nick Yu, MPhty, BA (Kin), CSCS, Registered Physiotherapist
The most common time for injuries are during the pre-season, first half of the season or when returning back from injury. This can be due to a combination of deconditioning, poor physical preparation, and rapidly increasing workload. Athletes can avoid this by gradually building up their workload, addressing any weaknesses or deficits and completing a graded return to sport program which can take 4-6 weeks.
David Burnett, BScH, MScPT, Registered Physiotherapist
Pre-Game or Pre-Training
Begin by performing a general 5-10 minute warm-up. Off ice this could include jogging, cycling on an exercise bike, or gently skipping to get the blood flowing to all parts of the body. On ice, use low intensity skating. Follow with dynamic stretches and mobility exercises. These are controlled movements through your full range of motion. Start with slow, low intensity movements and gradually progress to full speed game-like movements. You should not feel pain. Finally, move to a more technical and speed based warm-up which should include short high intensity, hockey specific drills with recovery time between drills to ensure you are not fatigued before your game. This should take about 15-30 minutes to complete – so arrive at the rink in plenty of time!
Post-Game or Post-Training
After a game or training session, cool down by gradually reducing the intensity of your skating on ice, or by walking or cycling on an exercise bike off ice, for about 5 minutes to allow the body and the cardiovascular system to gradually return to its resting state. A cool down allows waste such as lactic acid that has built up during exercise to dissipate and may reduce your chance of having Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Follow with static stretching directly after a short cool down before the muscles have cooled completely. Stretches should be held for approximately 60 seconds – you should feel a “stretch” and not pain.
Brian Findlay, BA(Hons.Kin), MScPT, Registered Physiotherapist
Muscle strains are very common in many sports and especially hockey because of the quick and powerful movements needed to be successful. A mild muscle strain can sometimes get overlooked and people will just allow time to help decrease their pain but these injuries shouldn’t be ignored. An assessment by a Physiotherapist or other health care professional can be helpful to determine the underlying cause of any recurring muscle strains, get you moving more effectively on the ice, and prevent future injuries.
Blake Scott, MPhty, BA (Kin, Hons), Registered Physiotherapist
A muscle contusion is usually the result of a direct blow from an opposing player or piece of equipment (such as a hockey puck). Hockey players can be susceptible to muscle contusions when blocking shots. The direct blow causes muscle damage and bleeding at the site of impact. Management of contusion involves minimization of bleeding and swelling followed by stretching and strengthening. Heat, alcohol, and vigorous massage must be avoided following a muscle contusion. Special care must be taken to blocked shots at the foot or ankle. If the athlete is unable to weight bear or has point tenderness around the ankle or foot she/he should seek immediate medical advice to rule out a fracture.
Do you ever experience stomach pains, burping, nausea or flatulence during your workouts? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are common in athletes, specifically endurance athletes. In this article you will learn how a few nutrition tactics can help you have a GI issue free workout!
We’re back into the swing of hockey season and it is beyond exciting! But, this sport that we love doesn’t come without its share of injuries. Understanding how to treat your body pre- and post-injury is critical to making sure that you stay in the game! Our team has no shortage of tips to get you started. Let’s dive in!
With any type of activity there is the risk of getting injured, and that’s no different when it comes to lifting. In fact, the most common type of injury to lifters is shoulder pain. Some of the most common gym movements can cause shoulder pain but it’s important to address it early because it can lead to more serious injuries or time away from the gym. Blake Scott, Registered Physiotherapist, shares valuable information and examples on how you can manage and resolve your shoulder injury. Click to read more!
