Hockey is a fast, physical sport that demands strength, precision, and resilience. Whether you’re skating in a rec league or suiting up with the Crown Point Bulldogs, your body is constantly working to keep up with the quick direction changes, high-impact collisions, and repetitive motion. And with that intensity comes the risk of injury—especially if your body isn’t properly trained or conditioned for the demands of the ice.
We work with hockey players of all ages and skill levels to help prevent injuries, manage recovery, and improve performance. Our therapists understand the sport, and we offer customized support for athletes working to stay strong all season long.
Common injuries hockey players face
Injuries in hockey happen fast—whether it’s a fall, a hit, or overuse of key muscle groups. Here are some of the most common:
Concussions and head injuries
Hockey’s speed and contact leave players vulnerable to concussions, especially during collisions, falls, or hits to the head. Even mild concussions can have long-lasting effects on memory, coordination, and focus. Helmets and awareness help, but proper recovery is just as important. If you’ve taken a hit and experience dizziness, headaches, or fogginess, it’s critical to get evaluated—and never rush back on the ice.
Neck injuries
From whiplash to more serious sprains or strains, neck injuries are common after high-impact contact or awkward twisting. While some heal with rest and movement modification, others need a hands-on approach to restore mobility and reduce pain.
Shoulder and collarbone injuries
Separated shoulders, rotator cuff strains, and broken collarbones often result from falls or collisions into the boards. While protective padding helps, many shoulder injuries still need focused rehab to recover full range of motion and reduce lingering pain.
Elbow and wrist injuries
Elbows and wrists take a beating during falls or when bracing for impact. Conditions like bursitis, sprains, or even fractures can occur from repeated strain or bad landings. A well-fitted set of elbow pads is your first defense—but proper strengthening and technique also play a key role in preventing injury.
Back pain and muscle spasms
Skating at full speed while maintaining balance puts stress on the lower back. Overuse, poor posture, or weak core muscles can lead to spasms, strains, or more serious lumbar issues. Maintaining a strong core is essential—not just for injury prevention, but also for power and stability on the ice.
Knee, ankle, and hip injuries
Whether it’s a quick cut across the ice or a hard stop at full speed, the lower body takes on a lot. MCL and ACL injuries, ankle sprains, and hip flexor strains are all common among hockey players—especially goalies who perform constant lateral motion. Repeated movement in unnatural positions (like the “butterfly” stance) also increases strain on the knees and hips.
How physical therapy supports hockey players
Working with a physical therapist doesn’t just help you bounce back after an injury—it helps you stay ahead of them. Our therapists build custom treatment and performance plans based on your body, your goals, and your role on the team.
We focus on:
Injury-specific rehab
Whether you’re healing from a ligament tear, joint sprain, or concussion, we guide your recovery with targeted care to reduce pain, restore strength, and get you back to play safely.
Strength and conditioning
We design hockey-specific training plans to build muscle strength and balance across the core, hips, and lower body. Expect squats, lunges, balance drills, and movement retraining tailored to your position and level.
Neuromuscular re-education
We work on the way your muscles coordinate during movement—especially after injury—so you can skate, shoot, and shift direction more efficiently and safely.
Manual therapy and dry needling
Hands-on techniques reduce soft tissue tension, improve range of motion, and promote healing in injured or overworked muscles. Dry needling is particularly effective in releasing tight, reactive muscle groups common in skaters—like the hip flexors, glutes, and calves.
Goalie-specific training
For goalies, we place extra emphasis on hip mobility, knee stability, and core control. Exercises like lateral lunges, single-leg squats, and resisted bounds help strengthen the areas most vulnerable to wear-and-tear.
Pre-season and off-ice training
Getting ready for the season? Don’t wait until you’re back on the ice to get in game shape. Pre-season physical therapy sessions can:
- Improve ankle and knee stability
- Increase hip and groin flexibility
- Boost cardiovascular conditioning
- Address any lingering pain or dysfunction before it worsens
We also help beginners build foundational movement patterns and support younger players, like those new to the Bulldogs, in learning to protect their bodies from the start.
Be game-ready all season long
Whether you’re pushing through a mid-season injury or gearing up for tryouts with the Crown Point Bulldogs, PhysioPoint is here to help. Our evidence-based approach blends injury prevention, performance training, and rehabilitation to keep you strong, fast, and confident on the ice.
With locations including Crown Point, our team is close by when you need support. Schedule an appointment today to start building your edge—before, during, or after hockey season.
