“I have been playing ice hockey for as long as I can remember. I went from playing locally in Buffalo, NY to playing a few years in Mississauga, Ontario, and then I went off to Boston College. Towards the end of my sophomore season, my left hip started to bug me. I was playing in a game and I felt like I pulled my groin. There were only a few weeks left in the season, and I thought by resting it a few days it would be fine, but the pain only got worse. After the season, I got a MRI and found out my labrum was torn and that I needed surgery. I wanted to have the surgery in Buffalo, and was referred to Dr. McGrath. Knowing the recovery timeline, I needed to have the surgery as soon as possible in order to be ready for the start of the next hockey season. I saw Dr. McGrath on the first Monday I was home— he looked at my MRI, examined my hip, explained the procedure, and laid out what my next three to six months would look like training wise. I had my surgery on that Wednesday, and was in for my first PT appointment on Friday.
This was the first time I had a major injury and had to take time off of hockey, but after seeing Dr. McGrath and his staff, I was not as worried as I thought I would be. After a little over three months, I was back skating with my team and was fully ready by my first game. Although I make sure I take the time to roll out and stretch my hip, I feel completely back to normal and I am still playing hockey over four years later. I could not thank Dr. McGrath and his staff enough for always being available for any questions or concerns I have had, and for doing what was best for me in my situation.”
On February 21, 2018, Emily and her USA Hockey teammates, won gold at the PyeongChang Olympic Games against Canada.
- Emily Pfalzer, Buffalo-born women’s ice hockey player for the Buffalo Beauts (NWHL) and US Women’s National Team (click here for bio)