August 29, 2011
Posted in BC Edition, Alberta Edition, Ontario Edition, Conditioning, Development
By Dr. Phil Conway /
Just uttering the phrase groin injury can send shivers into the heart of every hockey player.
Unfortunately, early season injuries are very common and groin injuries are one of the most common early season setbacks we see at the Hockey Injuries Clinic.
Groin injuries can range from minor to extremely devastating and require immediate attention for proper rehabilitation. Groin injuries can also take a long time to heal, time that you cannot afford to spend away from the rink, making early treatment mandatory.
If you suspect a groin injury, it needs to be fully assessed, accurately diagnosed and properly treated by a qualified rehabilitation specialist in order to ensure a quick and safe return to the game.
The groin is a collection of muscles that connect the upper inner thigh to the pelvis and trunk. These muscles help to lift the leg, flex the leg, move the leg towards the midline of the body, control motion and are essential for the movements required to skate powerfully during hockey.
Signs and Symptoms
Most often groin injuries are the result of a sudden or awkward movement where the leg moves away from the midline or extends forcefully backwards such as a powerful rapid directional change, pushing off during acceleration, a sudden deceleration, a check or getting caught in a rut on the ice. The end result is a groin injury. The injured player can experience any of the following symptoms including groin pain, bruising and swelling, tenderness, and loss of strength, loss of range of motion or inability to move the leg.
Injury Classifications:
Mild or Grade 1 groin injury (slight strain/mild Pull) which can be slightly painful and may or may not limit motion or skating
Moderate or Grade II groin injury (strain/mild tear) which causes moderate pain or discomfort, limits motion such as skating, walking, running, quick movements and transitional movements such as rising to stand or moving from standing to sitting
Severe or Grade III groin injury (partial to full thickness tear, severe strain, avulsion) which causes severe pain with all activities and movements.
Rehabilitation
It is extremely import to seek medical attention as soon as possible to have a proper diagnosis, a treatment plan and an accurate return to play strategy established as groin injuries can take a long time to heal.
Treatment Protocol
Rest. Use R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice Compression, Elevation) or P.I.E.R. (Pressure, Ice, Elevation, Rest)
Ice should be applied three to four times per day for 15 minutes each time, for 3 to 5 days
Compression should be with a tensor bandage
Depending on the severity rehab exercises can begin after 48 hoursEffective treatment protocols include, soft tissue therapy (Active Release and Graston), Laser, kinesiological taping, gentle stretching and manipulation and appropriate strengthening exercises
Returning to activity should not be rushed. Once the pain dissipates, gradually increase the intensity, frequency and duration of hockey activity according to the guidelines set out by your treatment plan. You should be able to complete a 10-yard dry land figure-eight run, at half speed, and then at full speed together with jumping with both legs and the injured leg before you return to full speed hockey.
Prevention
Prevention is a key aspect in reducing the incidence of groin injuries. Ensuring a proper warm-up before you play or practice is very important. Here are a few simple stretches that can be done both on and off the ice, which will help reduce the likelihood of a groin injury. Repeat these stretches five to eight times and hold for 15 to 20 seconds:
Lunge Stretch (top middle) – kneel with one knee on the ground, place the opposite leg in front with the knee bent so that foot has good contact on the ground, now lean forward, keeping the back straight.
Groin Stretch (bottom right) – kneel with both knees on the ground, lean forward and rest your hands or elbows on the ground. Slowly take your knees apart as far as they will go within your pain free limits. Keep the back straight and gently lean back until you can feel your groin engage in the stretch.
Dr. Phil Conway BPE DC FCCRS(C) is a Board Certified Rehabilitation Specialist. He is the Director of the Calgary Hockey Injuries Clinic, Back and Sports Injury Clinic, and the Calgary Runner’s Clinic. Visit our website: www.hockeyinjuriesclinic.com
Next Story: Hamstring Injuries Can Be Mild, Moderate, Or Severe
Comments
No comments have been posted yet.
Add a Comment