When the 2026 Winter Olympics take place in Milan–Cortina, hockey fans will be watching the best players in the world compete on the biggest stage. For Carolina Hurricanes fans, there’s extra excitement knowing that Hurricanes players are expected to represent their countries, including Jaccob Slavin (USA), Frederik Andersen (Denmark), Nikolaj Ehlers (Denmark), and Seth Jarvis (Canada).
While these athletes are known for skill and toughness, their success also depends on something less visible: how well they manage pain.
Pain Doesn’t Always Mean Something Is Wrong
Players like Jaccob Slavin, a defenseman who blocks shots and plays heavy minutes, feel pain regularly. That doesn’t mean he’s injured every game. Pain is often the body’s way of saying the body is under stress.
For patients, this is an important idea:
- Pain does not always mean damage
- Sore muscles and joints can come from overuse or fatigue
- Being afraid of pain can sometimes make it worse
Olympic athletes are taught to understand pain, not panic about it.
Different Players, Different Pain
Each Hurricanes player heading to the Olympics puts stress on their body in different ways:
Jaccob Slavin (Defenseman)
His position often leads to back, neck, and shoulder soreness from contact and blocking shots.
Frederik Andersen (Goaltender)
Goalies frequently deal with hip, groin, and lower back pain because of constant dropping, twisting, and pushing.
Nikolaj Ehlers (Forward)
His speed and quick movements can stress the knees, ankles, and hips.
Seth Jarvis (Forward)
Jarvis plays a fast, physical style that includes quick stops, starts, and contact along the boards. This can place stress on the hips, knees, shoulders, and core over time.
In everyday life, people also experience pain based on what they do — sitting at a desk, lifting at work, playing sports, or caring for others. That’s why pain treatment should be personal.
Managing Pain Is Not About Being Tough
Many people think athletes just “push through” pain. In reality, Hurricanes players preparing for the Olympics don’t ignore pain — they adjust their training and recovery.
For patients, this means:
- You don’t have to stop moving completely because of pain
- Gentle, safe movement often helps pain
- Learning better movement habits protects your body
Pain management is about being smart, not tough.
Recovery Is Part of Staying Healthy
Players like Andersen, Slavin, Ehlers, and Jarvis spend a lot of time recovering so their bodies can handle the demands of Olympic hockey. Recovery includes:
- Stretching and mobility exercises
- Strength training
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress
The body heals during rest. Without recovery, pain can last longer and be harder to manage.
Quick Fixes Aren’t the Goal
Even at the Olympic level, medical teams try not to rely only on pain medicine to keep players on the ice. Instead, they focus on:
- Building strength
- Improving movement
- Teaching players about their bodies
Patients benefit from the same approach. Understanding your pain can help you feel more in control and less worried.
What Patients Can Learn From Hurricanes Players
You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to apply these lessons. Hurricanes players competing in 2026 show us that:
- Pain is a signal, not a weakness
- Movement can help reduce pain
- Recovery matters
- Learning about your pain helps healing
The Bottom Line
When Jaccob Slavin, Frederik Andersen, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Seth Jarvis take the ice at the 2026 Winter Olympics, they’ll be showing more than hockey talent. They’ll be showing how careful pain management helps the body perform and stay healthy.
For patients, the message is encouraging, pain does not mean you are broken. With the right care, movement, and recovery, your body can get stronger and feel better.
If chronic pain is interfering with your life, don’t wait. At Midtown Pain and Spine, we specialize in advanced pain relief options to help you move and live with less pain. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our four pain management providers — Dr. Thomas Weber is board certified, and fellowship trained in Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Brittany Hodorowicz (PA-C), Patricia McGrail (NP), Heather Allen (FNP-C) — self-referrals welcome!
