Preventing Ice Hockey Concussions in Philadelphia

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute protects your athletes with comprehensive concussion prevention tips.

If you or someone you love is an athlete at risk for ice hockey concussions in Philadelphia, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute offers tips and support for keeping your hockey player safe and healthy throughout the whole season.

Risk Factors For Concussions In Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a popular skill sport that requires a unique combination of power, speed, teamwork, and finesse. Participants are at risk for a number of inherent specific injury patterns, some of which are preventable. The chance of your athlete sustaining an injury depends on his or her level of participation, player position, protective equipment, behavior, pre-existing injuries, and style of play. Injuries occur much more frequently during games and risk rises in direct relation with level of participation. Trauma and concussions may occur via direct contact to the head or face or indirectly through a whiplash effect.

Symptoms And Long Term Effects

Contrary to popular impression, athletes may suffer a concussion without loss of consciousness. Players, coaches, and parents should be aware of all the typical symptoms and signs, including "not feeling right," headache, and an altered state of consciousness, as well as:

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Dizziness or "seeing stars"

• Confusion, delayed response to questions

• Ringing in the ears

• Slurred speech

• Unexplained fatigue, falling asleep

• Memory loss or inability to focus

• Irritability and other personality changes

• Sensitivity to light and noise

• Sleep disturbances

• Psychological adjustment problems and depression

• Disorders of taste and smell

Any player experiencing symptoms or displaying signs of a concussion should not return to play and should be evaluated by a concussion specialist.

Tips For Preventing Ice Hockey Concussions In Philadelphia

ortunately, the overwhelming majority of hockey injuries are mild. Most injuries involve the soft tissues: bruises, muscle strains, ligament tears, and cuts. However, serious injuries are possible and players should learn and employ as many safety measures as possible. While the intrinsic hazards of playing hockey cannot be completely eliminated, the risk of injury can be substantially reduced by:

• Not placing all of your faith in the helmet. Helmets are important and help prevent localized head injuries such as skull fractures, but they have limited effectiveness against concussions. Reducing the risk of concussion requires behavioral adjustments and monitoring.

• Receiving a preseason physical screen by an experienced physician or athletic trainer to identify existing injuries and uncover areas of improvement.

• Participating in a sports-specific conditioning program to improve stamina, muscle strength, and proper movement techniques.

• Using high-quality equipment that fits properly and is not damaged or worn-out.

• Following and enforcing safety and rules of fair play. Players and coaches should always demonstrate sportsmanship and mutual respect for their opponents and the officials.

Seeking Treatment For Ice Hockey Concussions In Philadelphia

If your athlete has experienced a possible concussion, it is important that you do not take any risks. Visit Rothman's concussion program in Philadelphia, where a concussion doctor will assess your case and ensure that you recover without complications. In addition, a post-injury and treatment evaluation will ensure successful healing and safe return to play.

Our physicians are some of the most experienced specialists for ice hockey concussions in Philadelphia, and they can offer comprehensive and caring treatment for you. For more information, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.