Glute tendinopathy is a common issue among hockey players, and today I’m sharing insights from my experience at NWP, Nundah.
Hi, I’m Courtney, and I’m excited to discuss how my background in hockey shapes my approach to physiotherapy and how we can tackle this challenging injury together.
My journey with hockey injuries and physiotherapy
I started playing hockey when I was just five years old, inspired by my two older sisters and my dad. We were always involved in club, school, and representative teams. Between the ages of 13 and 16, our schedules were packed with training and games, which, as you can imagine, led to quite a few injuries.
My sisters and I found ourselves at the physio quite frequently, working on ways to keep us in the game. It was this experience that ignited my passion for physiotherapy.
Common sport injuries in hockey players
Hockey is an intense, fast-paced sport, and this high-impact play often leads to a range of injuries. Common issues include hamstring strains, ankle sprains, knee injuries, concussions, fractures, and shoulder injuries. Overuse injuries are also prevalent due to the repetitive motions and rapid directional changes inherent in the sport.
Understanding glute tendinopathy
One injury that stands out among hockey players is glute tendinopathy. This condition involves pain and dysfunction in the tendons of the gluteal muscles, which are crucial for stabilising the hip joint. Hockey’s various movements—especially lateral and rotational ones—put considerable stress on the hips. Often, athletes focus on strengthening specific muscle groups while neglecting overall balance, leading to muscle imbalances and overuse injuries.
Causes and prevention of glute tendinopathy
Gluteal tendinopathy often arises from the explosive movements in hockey, including sudden starts, stops, deep lunging, and frequent changes in direction.
To prevent this condition, it’s essential to incorporate exercises that strengthen the glutes and surrounding muscles. Balanced conditioning, proper warm-ups and cool-downs, and maintaining overall flexibility and strength are key strategies.
Effective treatment approaches
For those dealing with glute tendinopathy, effective treatment include a mix of load management, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. It’s vital to give the tendons time to heal and adjust activities to reduce strain. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in this process, offering personalised treatment plans that may include:
- Advice and education: understanding the condition and developing a plan to prevent future injuries.
- Pain management: using ice, heat, and anti-inflammatory medications as needed.
- Strengthening and stretching exercises: correcting muscle imbalances.
- Manual therapy: soft tissue massage and joint mobilisations.
- Biomechanical assessments: evaluating and addressing any issues in movement patterns.
- Deloading and reloading: gradually increasing activity to avoid re-injury.
The importance of a balanced fitness regimen
A balanced fitness program is vital for preventing injuries and improving performance. Key components include:
- Strength training: focus on core, glutes, legs, and upper body.
- Plyometrics, agility, and speed training: enhancing explosive movements.
- Balance and proprioception exercises: improving stability and awareness.
- Flexibility and mobility exercises: ensuring a full range of motion.
- Cardiovascular conditioning: maintaining overall endurance.
- Functional training: simulating sport-specific movements.
- Recovery and rest: allowing your body time to recuperate.
Sport injury rehabilitation: listening to your body
Lastly, my best piece of advice for hockey players is to listen to your body. If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain, it’s crucial to seek professional help before a minor issue becomes a major injury.
Insights from Courtney: managing glute tendinopathy and hockey injuries
If you’re dealing with a sporting injury or just want to ensure you’re on the right track with your fitness regimen, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact me or one of the team at North West Physio in Nundah today to book an appointment. We’re here to help you stay in the game and perform at your best!
By Courtney
