As the season is in full swing and the schedule is packed
with games and practices many players experience minor injuries that can impede
their performance if they are not treated properly. Major injuries have strict rehabilitation
guidelines. It is minor injuries that
often go on ignored and can lead to major issues down the road.
Some athletes are nervous to report minor injuries as they
think it will negatively impact playing time or other teammates may think they
are not tough. However, this is only a
short-term effect of failure to report injuries. What happens when injuries are not dealt with can
be detrimental to an athlete’s future.
Building a close relationship with your team trainer is the
first step. They have the ability to design
a personalized exercise prescription to help you return to pre-injury
function. Even if you think it is nothing, it is best to
get checked out as a precautionary measure.
Taking care of minor injuries once they occur helps reduce
susceptibility to further, more serious injuries. Missing one game or practice to recover from
a minor injury is way better than missing many games or a season and will ultimately
help you achieve your peak athletic performance.
A common minor injury for hockey players are ankle
sprains. Here is a quick video on how to
rehab after an ankle sprain from Pro-Am Sports Injury Clinic.
Looking for a physical therapist? Use this link to find a therapist near you: American Physical Therapy Association.
Be proactive! Here is
a link that provides helpful tips on how to avoid common hockey injuries: Stop Sport Injuries.
If
you have any questions feel free to email me directly! Chris Porter
