Common hockey injuries largely preventable, campaign says

With winter in full swing and growing numbers of people flocking to frozen ponds and indoor rinks, officials with the Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention campaign are warning hockey coaches, participants and parents to take the proper precautions to avoid injury.

As a fast, full-contact sport that takes place on a dangerous surface and involves sticks, pucks and skate blades, hockey invariably features a distinct risk of injury. Players commonly suffer injuries to the head, shoulder, elbow, wrist, back, hip and knee.

Still, cautions the Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention (STOP) campaign, concussion is the greatest concern. Perhaps counter to common belief, players do not need to be knocked unconscious to have a concussion. Symptoms of concussion include headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of coordination.

Concussions, like many other hockey injuries, are preventable.

“Whenever I talk to young players, I always say the same thing,” Michael J. Stuart, MD, stated in a press release. “[Never] use your head as a weapon; never leave your feet to deliver a hit; never do anything at the expense of the health and safety of your opponent or yourself. I try to show them that you don’t have to kill the other guy to separate him from the puck.”

Steps can be taken to avoid injury before the game even begins, according to the STOP Sports Injuries campaign.

Players who want to take the right precautions on and off the ice could avoid common injuries by altering the way they play the game and taking the following prevention measures:

having a pre-season medical examination by a trainer or physician;
participating in a sports conditioning program to stay in shape;
using high-quality equipment and replacing old, worn-out gear; and
understanding the rules of the game and practicing good sportsmanship.

Reference:
www.STOPSportsInjuries.org

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