Skating, ice dance, hockey…  Getting out on the ice is a great way to stay active when there’s snow on the ground. But nobody wants to spend the season on the sidelines with an injury.

Here’s some tips to get the most out of this winter’s skating season.

1. Make sure your equipment, stick and skates fit your size and height.

2. Sharpen your skates regularly.

3. Replace or repair any broken or damaged equipment.

4 . Never stretch a cold muscle. Warm up before you go out on the ice. Don’t “bounce” while stretching.

5. If you are a new player, or if your child is playing hockey for the first time, check with a health professional, such as a chiropractor, to make sure hockey’s a good fit for the person’s abilities.

6. Once you’re playing regularly, routine chiropractic maintenance will optimize your muscle and joint function and deal with any stiffness that may arise. Chiropractic care is not just for adults – kids have spines and muscles too!

7. If you experience pain that lasts longer than the usual post-exercise soreness, apply ice to the area and consult your chiropractor.

8. If you’re injured while skating or during a game, don’t try to “play through the pain”. Put ice on the area for periods of 15-20 minutes.

9. Be aware of the signs of concussion. If you hit your head and experience dizziness, blurred vision, loss of coordination or balance, confusion/disorientation (such as mixing up your teammate’s names, forgetting the plays, etc) or any loss of consciousness, get examined by a healthcare professional immediately.  Always wear your helmet when playing hockey.

Preventative safety and routine care can keep you feeling—and playing—your best through the whole skating season.  If you plan to play hockey or any other winter sport, or if you just hope to be active in the coming months–whether that be visiting family and friends, marathon holiday shopping, clearing snow or making the most of seasonal get-togethers–call Sheppard Chiropractic Centre for an appointment at 506-847-7172 or 506-635-8182.

Happy skating!

For more information, visit http://www.chiropractic.ca/resources/hockey-stretches/