APTA Recommends Exercise Programs to Prevent Injuries
ALEXANDRIA, VA, May 12, 2009 — The excitement of the 2009 Stanley
Cup Playoffs will inspire young players and weekend warriors to hit the
ice. But, traveling up to 30 miles an hour on a quarter inch blade of
steel and stopping instantly will put anyone at risk for injury.
According to American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) spokesperson
Mark Mortland, PT, ATC, team physical therapist of the Pittsburgh
Penguins, there are special precautions one can take to help avoid the
multiple injuries that can occur in this high-speed, high-impact sport.
Whether due to impact or overuse, the range of ice hockey-related
injuries varies greatly, almost more so than any other sport. "At the
professional level, we do not see 'common injuries' because the whole
body is susceptible to injury due to the nature of the game," said
Mortland "However, because these are pro athletes, they have access to
higher levels of care than the ordinary, casual player. That said, there
are steps young players and weekend warriors can take to help avoid
getting hurt."
APTA and Mortland recommend an exercise regimen that includes a
dynamic warm-up, cool down, and overall core strengthening to help
prevent injuries that keep you off the ice:
- Dynamic warm-up: Warming up should include a combination of
dry floor and ice exercises. On the dry floor, running in place, lunges,
high knee exercises (high, fast marching movements), and static
stretching (stretching while standing in place) can be used to prepare
for the game. On the ice, players should combine warm-up laps and
sprints.
- Post-game / post-practice cool down:
It is important to stretch the muscles while they are still warm. Focus
on static stretches (stretching while standing in place) of large muscle
groups such as the hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteus, and hips.
- Overall core strength:
Developing strong abdominal muscles (crunches, sit-ups, and other core
exercises) can help to avoid low back pain, a common injury often a
result of the crouched positions of the players. Core strength also
helps players better handle the crushing impacts one can endure during
an enthusiastic game of hockey.
"The important thing to remember is that a proper exercise regimen
can help prevent a variety of injuries that can result from any
activity, aside from high-impact sports like ice hockey," concluded
Mortland. Physical therapists work with individuals to design specific
exercise and treatment programs to cater to their specific needs. See
your physical therapist for an individualized program or visit www.moveforwardpt.com to find a physical therapist
near you.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care
professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore
mobility - in many cases without expensive surgery or the side effects
of prescription medications. APTA represents more than 72,000 physical
therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical
therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and quality of
life of individuals through the advancement of physical therapist
practice, education, and research. In most states, patients can make an
appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a physician
referral. Learn more about conditions physical therapists can treat and
find a physical therapist in your area at www.moveforwardpt.com.