Athletic Trainers' Vital Role in Caring for High School Hockey Players

The Role of Athletic Trainers in High School Hockey

High school hockey has exploded in popularity over the past decade, with more and more students joining teams across the country. As a fast-paced contact sport, hockey carries a high risk of injury that requires appropriate medical care. This is where athletic trainers play a crucial role in keeping high school hockey players healthy and performing at their best.

Preventing Hockey Injuries

Athletic trainers work closely with hockey teams to implement injury prevention strategies. This starts with comprehensive pre-season screenings to identify any issues that may predispose athletes to injury. Trainers also conduct routine strength and conditioning assessments to ensure players have the necessary mobility, stability and strength to withstand the rigors of hockey.

With their medical knowledge, trainers advise coaches and athletes on proper techniques, such as correct checking form and fall methods, to avoid unnecessary injuries. They also educate on the importance of protective equipment fitting appropriately. In addition, athletic trainers monitor athletes during practices and games to correct any mechanics that appear dangerous.

Assessing and Treating Injuries

Hockey involves high speeds, rapid changes in direction, collisions with boards, sticks and pucks flying through the air, and the ever-present threat of concussion. Athletic trainers are extensively trained to evaluate and treat the diverse range of traumatic and overuse injuries that can occur.

During games and practices, athletic trainers are on the sidelines assessing any player who gets injured. They can quickly determine whether the athlete needs to be removed from play for further treatment. In the athletic training room, they provide expert care including first aid, rehabilitative exercises, and modalities like cryotherapy, electrotherapy, and ultrasound.

For severe injuries like fractures or concussions, athletic trainers coordinate referrals to physicians, while still overseeing the rehabilitation process. Their medical expertise is invaluable in safely returning players back to the ice.

Facilitating Communication

Athletic trainers serve as a vital link between players, coaches, parents, and healthcare providers. Their understanding of injuries enables them to communicate appropriate next steps for managing and recovering from specific hockey injuries.

Trainers educate athletes on their conditions so they know what to expect during rehabilitation. They provide coaches updates on players' readiness to return to the ice. Athletic trainers also give parents peace of mind by answering questions and explaining treatment plans for their children's injuries.

Overall, athletic trainers apply their medical knowledge and skills to reduce injury risks, promptly assess and treat hockey injuries, and facilitate collaboration for optimal recovery and performance.

Common Hockey Injuries Managed by Athletic Trainers

Sprains and Strains

The explosive skating, cutting, and contact in hockey leads to numerous sprains and strains. Athletic trainers often treat sprained ankles and knees from awkward collisions or falls. Overuse during the hockey season can also cause strained groin, hamstring, or hip flexor muscles.

Early management includes the RICE protocol - rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Trainers evaluate the joint or muscle injury then design therapeutic exercise programs to restore strength and range of motion. Taping or bracing may be used to support healing tissues.

Concussions

Concussions are always a major concern in hockey due to the high-speed impacts. Athletic trainers know that concussion symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive dysfunction can appear immediately or even days later.

Athletic trainers use screening tools like the SCAT5 to thoroughly evaluate suspected concussions. They educate athletes on avoiding concussion aggravators during recovery, like screens and physical activity. Trainers coordinate return-to-play protocols, ensuring athletes are completely symptom-free before allowing return to the ice.

Lacerations

The sticks, skate blades, and pucks in hockey can easily cause cuts and lacerations. Athletic trainers provide immediate first aid, controlling bleeding by applying direct pressure. They thoroughly clean wounds and assess whether stitches are necessary.

For deeper lacerations, athletic trainers offer wound care education on signs of infection to monitor. They can also provide custom padding or splints to allow safer return to play during healing.

Fractures

The high-impact collisions with boards, sticks, and players make fractures a frequent hockey injury. Athletic trainers immobilize suspected fractures until x-ray confirmation. They also control swelling and pain with RICE, compression, and over-the-counter medications.

For stable fractures, trainers fabricate custom casts, braces, and splints for protection during hockey activity. They design modified conditioning programs to maintain fitness during bone healing. For severe fractures, athletic trainers educate on surgical procedures and coordinate extensive rehabilitation.

Ensuring Safe and Efficient Recovery

Athletic trainers are a crucial component of keeping high school hockey players fit, recovered, and performing on the ice. Their healthcare expertise enables them to reduce injury risk, promptly assess and treat trauma, rehabilitate damage, and facilitate communication across the sports medicine team.

Athletic trainers allow hockey players to recover as quickly and safely as possible. Their constant presence at the rink and training room makes them invaluable healthcare providers for all members of the high school hockey community.

FAQs

What types of injuries are most common in high school hockey?

The most frequent injuries in high school hockey are sprains, strains, concussions, lacerations, and fractures. The high speeds and contact make hockey players prone to traumatic injuries as well as overuse from repetitive motion.

How can athletic trainers help prevent hockey injuries?

Athletic trainers play a key role in injury prevention by conducting pre-season screens, identifying biomechanical issues, educating on proper technique, recommending appropriate gear, and making sure athletes are well-conditioned for the rigors of hockey.

Why are athletic trainers so important for high school hockey teams?

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals with specialized knowledge in treating sports injuries. Their skills in emergency first aid, injury assessment, treatment modalities, rehabilitation, and facilitating communication across the sports medicine team make them invaluable for keeping high school hockey players performing safely.