Skating Clear of Hockey Injuries

Although improvements in equipment design and revised rules have made hockey safer than ever, the risk of injury is always present — especially during games, when the play is most aggressive. The shoulder and knee are the areas most prone to injury, though a significant number of injuries also involve the head, face, wrist and leg. Fractured bones, pulled muscles, dislocated joints, and head, neck and facial injuries are all hazards of the game.

Not surprisingly, the injury rate among non-professional players rises with skill level due to higher speeds and more aggressive competition. Novice players, who approach the game conservatively, have the lowest injury rate at 2 percent per year. Among junior-level players, the injury rate jumps to more than 38 percent. Among all non-professional players, those who compete at the collegiate level have the highest injury rate at more than 66 percent.

According to a recent study of hockey players, about 40 percent of injuries are minor, resulting in minimal loss of ice time and little or no long-term damage. These injuries include bruises, contusions and muscle pulls.

Other injuries are more severe, often requiring medical intervention and longer periods of rehabilitation. These injuries include fractures, shoulder dislocations and knee sprains.

Improved rules such as no checking from behind and the use of face guards have reduced the number of traumatic injuries to the head, neck and spine. When these injuries do occur, they can have serious consequences, such as concussion or, very rarely, paralysis.

Because it is a fast-paced, competitive game, hockey will always be associated with some injuries. Fortunately, you can prevent most mishaps by taking these precautions:

• Train properly. Proper conditioning is a key factor in avoiding injuries such as muscle pulls and strains, and in minimizing injuries that can occur with fatigue. Experts recommend a pre-season regimen of stretching and aerobic exercise, particularly bike-riding, because it conditions the muscles most often used in hockey. Players should maintain their fitness program throughout the season, so that they are able to endure the physical demands of the game.


• Use protective equipment. Helmets, padding, face masks and mouth and eye guards protect against cuts and bruises and more serious injuries from collisions, falls, swinging sticks and flying pucks. Equipment should fit well and be worn properly. Well-fitting skates are also a must to guard against foot and ankle problems.


• Be a good sport. Many serious injuries occur when players engage in overly aggressive or illegal maneuvers, like checking from behind or high-sticking. For that reason, "playing clean" can reduce the risk of injury to players and their opponents, as well as minimize time in the penalty box.

If a player does get injured, early assessment and intervention are the most effective tools for improving recovery and preventing long-term damage.

Sprains, contusions and other minor injuries can usually be treated with simple measures, such as resting and applying ice to the area for 24 or 48 hours to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter painkillers —- aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen -— can help alleviate pain. An injured player should gradually resume activities until the injury has healed. More serious injuries need to be evaluated and treated by a medical professional. Signs of a serious injury include:

• Instability of the bone or joint


• Inability to put weight on the affected limb


• Severe bruising, swelling or pain


• Persistent or recurring pain

Most hockey injuries can be treated conservatively with medication, rest and/or physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the damaged bone, joint or soft tissue. The majority of injured players can eventually return to the game with treatment, but prevention is the best way to stay in the game.