CCS Health and CCSCC is a proud supporter and sponsor of the Central Coast Stingrays Ice Hockey Club on the Central Coast, New South Wales.
We are fortunate to have a full spectrum of disciplines including chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and podiatry that can help these athletes to prevent and manage injuries.
Below is how your chiropractor fits in the health team.
Having played ice hockey for most of my life (it’s only natural, since I was born in Canada), I can attest that ice hockey is a physically demanding, high speed and high-impact sport that can lead to various injuries. As chiropractors, we are trained to diagnose and treat these injuries using a variety of techniques, including manual adjustments, massage, and rehabilitative exercises.
Muscle Injuries
One common injury in ice hockey is a muscle strain, which occurs when a muscle is stretched or torn due to overexertion or improper use. This can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected muscle. Chiropractors may use manual adjustments to realign the spine and improve range of motion, as well as massage therapy to reduce muscle tension and swelling. They may also recommend stretching and strengthening exercises to help the muscle heal and prevent future strains.
Sprain/Strains
Another common injury in ice hockey is a sprain, which occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn. This can result in pain, swelling, and instability in the affected joint. Chiropractors may use manual adjustments to realign the joint and improve range of motion, as well as massage therapy to reduce swelling and muscle tension. They may also recommend rehabilitative exercises to help the ligament heal and restore stability to the joint.
Concussion
Ice hockey players are also at risk of suffering from concussions, which are caused by a blow to the head or body that disrupts normal brain function. Symptoms of a concussion can include headache, dizziness, nausea, memory loss, and confusion. Chiropractors may use manual adjustments to help alleviate headache and dizziness, as well as recommend rest and a gradual return to normal activities to allow the brain to heal.
And…
Other injuries that chiropractors may treat in ice hockey players include shoulder and wrist injuries, such as rotator cuff strains and wrist sprains. These injuries can result in pain and difficulty moving the affected joint. Chiropractors may use manual adjustments to improve range of motion and reduce pain, as well as recommend rehabilitative exercises to help the joint heal and prevent future injuries.
In addition to treating injuries, chiropractors can also help ice hockey players prevent injuries by providing advice on proper warm-up, stretching techniques, strengthening programs as well as recommendations for protective gear such as helmets and shoulder pads. They may also provide nutrition and hydration recommendations to help players maintain their strength and endurance.
Overall, chiropractors and our team of health providers play a vital role in the treatment and prevention of injuries sustained in ice hockey. By using a variety of techniques, such as manual adjustments, massage, and rehabilitative exercises, they can help players recover from injuries and return to the ice as soon as possible. In addition, we can help players prevent injuries by providing advice on proper technique and protective gear, as well as nutrition and hydration recommendations.
