3 Hockey Injuries Your Kids Can Prevent

Hockey is a favorite sport for children and adults – but it has injury risks that cause many parents to worry about the wellbeing of their kids.

Injuries occur with players at any level, and knowing how to prevent them increases your child’s safety and ensures that they continue to participate in their favorite activities. Understanding the hockey injuries your kids can prevent helps you support their goals and keep them from experiencing unwanted setbacks.

Why kids get injured in hockey

There are many factors that increase the risk of hockey injuries in children. Lack of protective gear, minimal experience, and pre-existing issues can all play a role.

Injuries can be a result of a lack of physical conditioning. Low levels of strength and joint stability can make it easy for kids to become injured or experience pain over time.

Common hockey injuries

Common injuries in hockey include shoulder, back, arm, leg, and head injuries. Players can experience concussions that require a medical evaluation to determine the extent of their injuries.

1. Shoulder injuries
   Shoulders are susceptible to muscle tears and broken bones. The clavicle (collarbone) can be broken when players make high-speed impacts with each other or an object.
2. Bursitis
   Bursitis in the elbow can cause pain and prevent your child from performing at his or her best. The bursae of the joints become inflamed from repetitive movements.
3. Knee injuries
   Issues related to the ligaments of the knees can also arise in hockey. The meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and medial collateral ligament (MCL) can all be injured with the movements that are required to play hockey.

The following are other common injuries that kids who play hockey can prevent:

• Neck injuries
• Tendonitis
• Broken teeth
• Cuts
• Black eye
• Fractures
• Spinal cord injuries

Preventing hockey injuries

Parents accept the possibility of injury with any sport in which their child chooses to participate. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk and help children make the most of their participation.

Obtaining a screening by a skilled physiotherapist can help you identify any potential risk factors. These include muscle imbalances or motor skill deficiencies. Weak core and stabilizer muscles can be strengthened using the right exercises.

The right strength and conditioning program can be implemented before your child begins playing hockey. This prepares their muscles and joints for the demands of hockey and ensures that they are more resistant to injury.

Preventing these common injuries improves performance and is a major step in supporting long-term wellness and physical activity of your kids.