The chill of the ice. The shouts from the fans. The explosiveness of the game. Sound appealing? Then you're likely a hockey player, drawn to the fast-paced, intense action that the sport demands. Whether you're a youth player or an experienced pro, hockey is an exciting game that challenges your physical limits at every turn.
But with all the elements of the game—the ice, the puck, the sticks, the walls, and the other players—hockey also leaves ample room for injury. Despite the protective gear, players face the risk of collisions with other players, the ice, walls, and sticks, not to mention the possibility of high-speed pucks (sometimes traveling up to 100 mph in professional leagues). Even legal checks can lead to injuries.
So, how can hockey players—whether amateur or professional—decrease their risk of injury while increasing their chances of staying in the game? The key lies in conditioning, proper training, and post-play recovery strategies. And when injury does occur, having the right recovery tools at hand can make all the difference.
The Importance of Post-Play Recovery in Hockey
While practice and conditioning build strength, endurance, and skill necessary for the game, recovery plays an equally crucial role in maintaining overall performance and preventing further injury. For example, back pain is a common issue in amateur hockey, often stemming from the forward posture required while skating. This posture places strain on the lower back, and without proper strengthening exercises for both the back and abdominal muscles, this strain can lead to discomfort and injury.
But what happens when the injury has already occurred? Preventing further strain can be challenging, which is why it’s essential to adopt a comprehensive post-play routine that focuses on both prevention and recovery. Stretching to increase flexibility is important, but electrotherapy—specifically TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and EMS(Electrical Muscle Stimulation)—can help accelerate rehabilitation and make recovery more effective.
How TENS and EMS Work for Hockey Players
-
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation):
TENS is a natural pain relief method that uses electrical pulses to block pain signals from reaching the brain. When you’re dealing with the aftereffects of a tough game—whether it’s soreness from skating or aches from checking—TENS can provide soothing relief. By stimulating the nerves, TENS can help reduce discomfort and improve your ability to recover quickly, so you’re back on the ice without the nagging pain. -
EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation):
EMS works by delivering electrical impulses to the muscles, causing them to contract. This helps strengthen muscles and accelerate recovery. For hockey players, EMS can be used to target areas that are often under strain, such as the shoulders, groin, hips, knees, and ankles—all of which are subjected to repetitive motion and high-impact forces during gameplay. EMS promotes better circulation, reduces muscle stiffness, and aids in muscle rebuilding, ensuring that players recover faster and more effectively.
Why TENS and EMS are Game-Changers for Hockey Players
Hockey demands a lot from your body, especially in areas prone to injury from repetitive use. Whether you’re skating, checking, or sprinting after the puck, key muscles are constantly at risk. For example:
-
Shoulders: Constantly absorbing and delivering checks, they are vulnerable to strain. Using TENS or EMS on your shoulders before or after practice can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and strengthen muscles to prevent future injury.
-
Groin and Hips: These areas are essential for skating strides, pivots, and changes of direction. EMS can help improve muscle strength in these regions, reducing the risk of injury and improving performance on the ice.
-
Knees and Ankles: Every push-off and stop takes its toll on these joints. EMS can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knees and ankles, improving stability and reducing strain, while TENS can provide pain relief from the impact of frequent stopping and starting.
By using portable TENS and EMS devices, hockey players can target specific muscles or areas of the body that are frequently stressed or injured. Devices like the iReliev TENS + EMS combo system are even designed to be worn under your gear during training or practice, ensuring that you can recover while you work. This portability allows athletes to stay proactive about recovery without having to miss a beat.
The Benefits of TENS and EMS for Hockey Players
-
Pain relief without medication: Traditional painkillers, both over-the-counter and prescription, may mask the pain but don’t address the root cause. TENS offers a natural, non-invasive alternative to alleviate pain without relying on drugs, which can have long-term side effects.
-
Faster recovery: With TENS, pain signals are blocked, allowing your body to focus on repairing itself, while EMS stimulates muscle contraction, boosting recovery time by increasing blood circulation and promoting muscle repair.
-
Muscle strengthening: For players recovering from injury or just seeking to maintain peak performance, EMS helps activate and strengthen muscles in the areas most prone to stress and strain.
-
Portable and convenient: Devices like iReliev’s TENS + EMS combo allow players to recover during their training sessions, practices, or even while resting at home. The ability to use these devices during or after a game ensures that your recovery is continuous and integrated into your routine.
Proactive Recovery: Stretching, TENS, and EMS
Incorporating stretching, TENS, and EMS into your routine can drastically improve your chances of staying injury-free and maximizing your performance on the ice. Stretching helps increase flexibility, while TENS and EMS target pain and muscle recovery, enhancing the overall recovery process.
As a hockey player, focusing on your body’s recovery process is essential not just for staying on the ice, but for improving your long-term health and performance. By adopting a well-rounded post-play routine that includes TENS and EMS, you can enhance muscle healing, reduce soreness, and avoid injury—giving you the best chance of staying in the game.
Final Thoughts: Stay on the Ice, Not on the Bench
Hockey is an intense sport, and injuries are a part of the game. But by adopting a proactive approach to muscle recovery, you can reduce your risk of injury and enhance your recovery time. Use TENS for natural pain relief and EMS to strengthen and recover your muscles, and you’ll be on the ice, playing your best game, with less downtime.
Don’t rely on pain pills or risky treatments that don’t address the source of the pain. Use TENS and EMS to support your body’s recovery, so you can stay off the bench and on the ice—where you belong!