If you know anything about ice hockey, then you are probably already aware that it’s a full contact sport. And if you’re considering strapping on a pair of hockey skates, throwing on a jersey and a mask, and picking up your hockey stick, you need to be prepared for the long list of injuries you could suffer at the hands of one of your teammates or opponents, either by accident or on purpose. Some of the most common injuries suffered by people who play ice hockey, especially those who play the sport for a living, include:
Strains or sprains to multiple different body parts including legs, ankles, arms, backs, necks, wrists, and other muscles.
Bumps, bruises, cuts, and scrapes. Most hockey players get knocked around quite a bit out on the ice and it’s important to remember that you will likely come home from every game with an few extra bandages and ice packs.
Soreness and spasms in your muscles. When you use your muscles for hardcore activities like hockey, there’s a good chance you’ll put them and yourself out of commission. And if you’re not conditioning properly and drinking enough water, your lasting pain and bench life may start with spasms in muscles like your calves and feet.
Overtraining injuries. Working out too much, playing too hard, and hitting the ice too often can cause your body to go into a cycle where it is unable to recover from the exercise you are putting it through.
What You Can Do to Prevent Ice Hockey Injuries
If you love the thrill of the game and don’t want to spend the entire season on the bench, you’ll need to think about some of the safety precautions that help keep players on the ice.
Always wear the right hockey gear and don’t opt out for cheaper gear that may not provide the same level of protection.
Engage in regular conditioning routines and make certain that you stretch and take care of your muscles by providing them plenty of water and electrolytes.
Always provide yourself plenty of rest between games and practices to avoid overuse and repetitive motion injuries.
By being aware of the dangers you face on the ice and what you can do to keep yourself as safe as possible, you can prevent season-ending injuries to the best of your abilities.