As an NHL player or just a casual runner, it’s key to stay injury-free. Getting prompt treatment if an injury does occur, though, can be a gamechanger. “It’s out of rugby season and into hockey season, but we’re staying busy with athletes of all types,” said Dr. Jonathan Hodax, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and team orthopedic provider for the Seattle Kraken and Seawolves. Dr. Hodax and the team at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health focus on both surgical and nonsurgical treatment of injuries. “It’s all about trying to get people back to the activities they’re passionate about so they can stay busy, they can stay active, and they can stay healthy,” he said. Injuries don’t just take a physical toll on people. They can also take an emotional and mental toll, and athletes often have to build back confidence. Dr. Hodax says it’s important to maintain strength, flexibility and endurance to avoid injuries. Find activities you can comfortably tolerate and build endurance from there. If you do have an injury, it’s key to take the proper steps to get help. “Any traumatic injury, any sudden pop, any sudden change in your stability, you should get in to see us quickly and right away,” Dr. Hodax said. For more of the everyday aches and pains, you can start by taking care of yourself at home, including using the RICE method – rest, ice, compression and elevation. If your injury continues to keep you from your activities, though, it’s time to seek care. “If you can’t get back to what you love, we want to help,” Dr. Hodax said. Dr. Hodax says one of the most gratifying parts of his job is seeing athletes return to their sport after injury. “Seeing players who have been at their lowest return to their peak is really the best feeling there could be,” he said. Visit the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health website to learn more about joint health and treatment for injuries. Sponsored by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Segment Producer Rebecca Perry. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.