Common Hockey Injuries and What to Do About Them

Hockey is fast, physical, and full of excitement – but it also puts your body to the test. From collisions to sudden stops and turns, injuries can happen even to experienced players. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can make a big difference in how quickly you recover and get back on the ice.

Let’s break down some of the most common hockey injuries and what you can do if you experience one.

Back Injuries

Common Causes:

-       Repetitive use injuries

-       Sudden twists or hits

-       Muscle strain or disc issues

Symptoms to watch for:

-       Persistent back pain or stiffness

-       Pain that radiates down your legs

-       Difficulty bending or rotating

What to do:

-       Rest: Take some time off and see if the symptoms improve

-       Gentle stretching: once the pain eases, try light stretches for your lower back and hamstrings.

-       See a professional: if the pain lasts for more than a week or causes numbness, visit a medical professional.

Neck Injuries

Common causes:

-       Whiplash from collisions or checks

-       Sudden falls

-       Prolonged flexion posture in hockey gear

Symptoms to watch for:

-       Neck stiffness or sharp pain

-       Headaches or dizziness

-       Numbness or tingling in arms or shoulders.

What to do:

-       Rest and avoid strain: keep your head supported; limit aggravating movements.

-       Get checked out: If you feel tingling, weakness, or severe pain see a doctor right away to rule out a more serious injury.

Hip Injuries

Common Causes:

-       Repetitive skating motions

-       Hard impacts or falls

-       Muscle imbalances

Symptoms to watch for:

-       Groin or hip pain

-       Tightness or limited range of motion

-       Painful clicking or popping sounds in the hip

What to do:

-       Rest: decrease aggravating movements and use ice to control swelling.

-       Stretch and strengthen: focus on hip flexor and glute stretches; later on work on adding strengthening exercises.

-       Seek professional help: if the pain persists, a physical therapist can design a hip stability and mobility program tailored for hockey players.

Shoulder Injuries

Common causes:

-       Collisions with boards or other players

-       Falls onto the ice

-       Repetitive shooting or passing motions

Symptoms to watch for:

-       Shoulder pain or weakness

-       Limited motion or instability

-       Swelling or bruising around the joint.

What to do:

-       Rest: limit aggravating movements

-       Avoid overhead activity: don’t push through pain – it could worsen the injury

-       Medical evaluation: shoulder dislocations, separations or rotator cuff injuries need professional assessment and rehab.

Prevention Tips for Hockey Players

-       Warm up and stretch before hitting the ice.

-       Strengthen your core – a strong core can help protect your back and hips.

-       Use proper gear that fits well and offers good support.

-       Don’t ignore pain. Early care prevents minor injuries from becoming major ones.

The Bottom Line:

Hockey is demanding, but your body doesn’t have to pay the price. By recognizing injuries early, taking time to rest, and working with medical professionals, you can recover smarter and get back to the game you love.