Education: Common NHL Injuries and Rehab - Bruins Player’s Examples

Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Repair: Example Player: Brad Marchand 

  • What was this player’s specific injury & surgery:

    • 5/27/2023 Double Hip Arthroscopy and Labral Repair

  • How did this specific injury happen:

    • Brad Marchand was forced to leave after a hit from Ilya Lyubushkin, a Buffalo sabres Defenseman.

  • In General, what does “standard PT” look like for a Double Hip Arthroscopy:

    • First few weeks may include: Limit standing and walking for long periods of time. Avoid deep squats and heavy lifting.

    • Slowly progress strength & mobility per protocol from surgeon

    • Slowly return to sport specific exercises & drills with help of PT (4-6+ months typical before return to sport)

  • How long did it take this specific player to return to the ice: 

    • It took about 5 months for Marchand to return to the ice. 

  • In General - how does this injury happen:

    • A labral hip tear happens can happen with overuse, or a traumatic injury, or an abnormality in the shape of the hip.  

  • What is the anatomy of the hip:

    • It is composed of two bones

      • the thigh bone or femur 

      • and the pelvis 

        • Which is made up of three bones called: ilium, ischium & pubis 

    • The ball of the hip joint is made by the femoral head while the socket is formed by the acetabulum.

      • The labrum is a thick piece of cartilage that lines the rim of the acetabulum

  • In General, How can a Physical Therapist help a hip injury 

  • Conservative treatment could consist of physical therapy which can include

  • Soft tissue mobilization

  • Joint mobilizations 

  • Modifying activities for a short time period 

  • Targeted exercise 

  • Stretching and mobility regimen

  • In General, How long does it take for someone to heal from a hip tear

It would take about 4-6 months to heal from a hip tear but the whole recovery time will take a longer period of time cause there is always a chance for re-injury.

Shoulder Dislocation: Example Player: David Pastrnak 

  • What was this players specific injury:

    • 4/24/22 He dislocated his right shoulder

  • How did this specific injury happen:

    • He was checked into the boards by a Florida panther, which caused a shoulder injury

  • In General, How do you rehab a dislocated shoulder:

    • Immobilization with a sling

    • Icing initially

    • Activity modification

    • Physical Therapy

  • In General, What are some PT drills to help with a dislocated shoulder:

    • Often times rehab will include gentle passive range of motion, then active range of motion, then isometrics strengthening, then light banded strengthening.

    • Once strength is sufficient, exercises will be done to progress towards return to sport specific drills

  • How long did it take for this speicifc player to return to ice:

    • It took about 8-12 weeks 

  • In General, how does this injury happen:

    • A strong blow to the arm by a fall, collision, or force

  • What is the anatomy of the shoulder:

    • The shoulder is made up of 3 bones, the scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collarbone) and humerus (upper arm bone)

    • 2 joints in the shoulder allow it to move, the acromioclavicular joint, where the highest point of the scapula (acromion) meets the clavicle, and the glenohumeral joint. 

    • The laburm is a ring of cartilage that deepends the shoulder socket and provides stability

    • The Rotator cuff and scapular muscles also provide stability

  • In General, How long does it take someone to heal from a dislocated shoulder:

    • It can a few weeks to several months to heal depending on severity

Concussions: Mark Savard

  • What was this player’s specific injury?

    1. 2012 Grade II Concussion

  • How did this specific Injury happen?

    1. After a blindsided hit from Matt Cooke of the Pittsburg Penguins in 2010. And then suffered a second concussion in Jan 2011 by Matt Hunswick of Colorado Avalanche. 

  • What did this specific player do to rehab it?

    1. He mentions working with neurologists & psychologist in an article. Source: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/marc-savard-bruins-hell-and-back 

    2. He saw Dr. Peter Asnis (head Boston Bruins Physician). Source: https://nesn.com/2010/03/tired-marc-savard-diagnosed-with-grade-2-concussion/ 

    3. He saw “ There were consultations, sports psychologists, medication and physical therapists. "I needed to talk to somebody," Savard said. Source: https://www.espn.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=5900319 

  • How long did it take (this specific player) to return to play?

    1. Mark Savard never returned to play, it was a career ending injury. 

  • In General, how does a concussion happen?

    1. Concussion is a brain injury that occurs when the brain is violently shaken. The injury can happen during rapid movement changes (such as whiplash) or when the head is directly hit. This shaking or hitting of the head causes unpredictable injury to any area of the brain, resulting in immediate or delayed changes in the brain's chemistry and function. Less than 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness. Depending on which area of the brain suffers injury, many different temporary or permanent problems with brain function can occur. Source: https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-concussion 

  • In General, what is the anatomy of the brain?

    1. The Brain had 4 lobes

      1. Frontal Lobe: Personality, thinking, problem solving

      2. Temporal Lobe: Speech & Hearing

      3. Pareietal Lobe: Movement, sensation, pain, taste, touch, speed & writing

      4. Occipital Lobe: Memory, sight & smell

      5. Cerebellum: Movement, balance, muscles

      6. Sources: https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/brain-for-kids 

  • In General, what are some common physical therapy exercises for this condition?

    1. Rest

      1. Dark room is helpful, avoiding bright lights

      2. Quiet area, avoiding loud noises

    2. Restoring Physical Strength

      1. Gradual. progressive strength training exercises

    3. Restoring Cardiovascular Strength

      1. Gradual. progressive Zone 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 training

      2. Bike, running, cross training machines

    4. Restore Balance 

      1. Stability work, foam pad training, single leg drills

    5. Reduce Headaches

      1. Manual therapy

      2. Neck Stretches for cervicogenic headaches

      3. Postural related exercises

    6. Reduce Vestibular & Vertigo Symptoms

      1. Eye Gaze drills

      2. Vestibular Drills

      3. Vertigo Drills

    7. Memory/ Cognition/ Word Finding Difficulties

      1. Crossword Puzzles, Chess, Games

  • In General, how long does it usually take people to heal?

Author: Morgan Gustafson

Editor: Matt Sweneey

Matthew Sweeney