The adductors are a series of long muscles that originate in the pubis (pelvis) and insert into the femur (leg). In the sport of ice hockey, their function is to eccentrically decelerate hip extension during push off, while concentrically contracting during swing. In other words, as the player pushes off, the adductors are lengthened. As the player recovers his/her foot, the muscles are shortened. Adductor strains are amongst the most common form of soft tissue injury experienced during competitive ice hockey. Adductor strains are prevalent and accounted for 10% of all injuries (10 of 95) in elite Swedish ice hockey players [1], while others have reported that 43% of injuries (20-47) resulted from adductor strains in elite Finnish ice hockey [2]. In a study from Tyler et al. [3] researchers found that National Hockey League players with adductor to abductor strength ratios of less than 80% were seventeen times more likely to experience an adductor strain. In order to understand these implications, one must dive deeper into the biomechanics of the sport.
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Rehabilitation
Content aimed to bridge the gap between rehab and strength training.
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Injury rates in the sport of ice hockey have been investigated by multiple researchers as a means of assessing trends, addressing anatomical areas prone to trauma, and advocating for equipment/rules modification based on inferential findings. The purpose of this article is to a.) define what an injury encompasses in the sport of ice hockey, b.) outline the research pertaining to injury rate computation, c.) reveal anatomical areas that may be exposed to injury at a higher degree during sport competition and d.) briefly outline injury mechanisms and types.
...Suffering an injury can be a difficult time for an athlete. The athlete may experience forms of depression from an inability to participate in practices, training sessions, and competition. As a physical therapist and strength coach, it is essential that we find methods to keep the athlete prepared for a return to competition, physically and mentally. One method to keep an athlete physically prepared for a return to performance is the application of blood flow restriction (BFR) training.
...I just finished reading two fascinating books on the human brain and its neuroplastic ability to change based on the sensory information it ingests. The external environment plays on the brain like a keyboard. A healthy dose of sensory stimulation is crucial in building strong neuronal connections and increasing synaptic efficiency and function. Bottom line: use it or loose it! Whether in the classroom or on the field/ice, we have the unique ability to craft our brains into more efficient, well-oiled machines. Here are a few excellent pieces of information from the books “The Brain That Changes Itself”, and “Inside The Brain”.
...A system in “neutral” is desirable for physical activity. It allows for efficient, alternating, reciprocal function in performing daily and sporting activities. In other words, great fuel mileage with less wear and tear in the long run. Taking the car analogy one step further, what would happen if we didn’t have neutrality, if we drove for miles and miles with our tires out of alignment? Chances are we would end up on the side of the road sooner or later. Well, our bodies are not designed for “neutrality”. As humans our thorax, along with vital organs are different from right to left. This affects our “alignment” and may cause us to use our fuel (a.k.a. oxygen) inefficiently. Lets take a look at these differences.
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