Ice hockey is a popular winter sport in the United States, with thousands of amateur and pro athletes playing every year.
Hockey is a fast-paced sport. It combines players of different sizes and speed together on an ice rink with furious non-stop action.
Due to the hard-hitting, physical nature of the game, hockey players put themselves at risk for injury at any moment while playing.
Factors that can cause hockey injuries include:
The most common hockey injuries include:
For athletes who have a hockey or other sports-related injury, experts at the UPMC Sports Medicine can help.
Our orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists have the knowledge and experience in treating hockey injuries and will help to speed recovery and restore function.
Like many contact sports, the right strength and conditioning training program can help prevent common hockey injuries, especially in youth players.
To help prevent or lower the risk of a hockey injury, follow these steps:
Following a hockey-specific exercise program — on and off the ice — can help you properly condition your body and prevent injuries.
You should talk to your doctor before starting any kind of training or conditioning program.
Twisting and throwing build the torso strength and dynamic stability you need when shooting the puck.
Do at least 30 minutes of exercise three to four times a week, such as:
Incorporating aerobic exercise into your training will help build endurance as you move across the ice during games or practices.
To make an appointment for a hockey injury, contact UPMC Sports Medicine at 1-855-937-7678.
UPMC Rooney Sports Complex
3200 S. Water St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
UPMC Lemieux
Sports Complex
8000 Cranberry Springs Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066