A groin muscle strain happens when the Adducter
group of muscles are
stretched beyond their limit.
The
Adductor muscles connect the pelvic bone to the femur (the main bone in your
upper leg). Notice the image to the left.
Primarily, to increase their limit of flexibility it is very important
that a goaltender properly stretches his/her muscles often. At the very
least before and after hockey practices and games.
A pulled groin is a common injury
for goaltenders,
when a groin pull happens it is best
to keep in mind the R.I.C.E. method of
treatment. Rest,
Ice, Compression,
and Elevation.
Don't
ice the muscle any more than 10 minutes
at a time.
Usually,10 minutes on followed by 10 minutes off works the best.
Keep the leg elevated as much as
possible to decrease any likelihood of swelling, and
wrap it with a tan coloured "Ace" bandage
for support. Doesn't have to be anything special, just wrap it snugly around
the leg at the thigh.
Avoid any strenuous activity for about
a week to 10 days. This will give the muscle plenty of time to heal.
After a week or so you should know when you feel ready to go back on the
ice. The first few skates after the injury, ice the groin when you are
finished the skate. (You usually see baseball pitchers do this alot with
their shoulders). Again follow the routine of 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off,
and repeat for about an hour.
Fluids are aslo vital to muscle maintennance, if you are not properly
hydrated, you can become prone to muscle strains and pulls. |
