Fast pace, frequent body contact, and a slippery surface... No wonder hockey is one of the most injury-prone sports, whether you’re a pro or just playing for fun. Fortunately, there are proven ways to reduce your risk and keep playing safely. Learn more in this article.
In hockey, 45% to 86% of injuries are caused by player contact. Others result from overuse or sudden awkward movements.
Shoulder injuries account for around 18% of all hockey injuries. The most common ones include:
Subluxation or dislocation of the glenohumeral joint: In simple terms, the shoulder is partially or completely “out of place.” A dislocated shoulder may be visibly deformed and should be assessed by a doctor to rule out fractures.
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain: Depending on severity, this can involve a stretched or torn ligament connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade. Pain is typically felt at the tip of the shoulder, especially when placing the hand on the opposite shoulder. In more severe cases, the collarbone may appear raised — a classic “piano key” sign.
Important: Never try to pop a shoulder back into place yourself — always consult a medical professional.
Hip injuries affect about 10% of hockey players, especially early in the season. Common ones include:
Groin strain (adductor muscle strain): Caused by a sudden forceful movement while the muscle is stretched, leading to pain when contracting or stretching the muscle.
Muscle contusion: A direct blow to the muscle, common in contact sports.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): Common in goalies, this causes a pinching sensation in the groin due to abnormal hip joint mechanics.
About 15% of hockey injuries involve the knees. One of the most common is:
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain: This occurs when the knee is pushed inward (valgus stress), often from a hit to the outer knee. Symptoms include localized pain on the inner side of the knee, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bending or bearing weight.
Wrist and ankle sprains are possible but less common.
Concussions are frequent in hockey — just like in skiing or snowboarding. (Check out our blog post: Concussions in Skiing and Snowboarding: Symptoms and Recovery)
Despite the best precautions, injuries can happen. Here’s what to do:
Stop the painful activity immediately.
See a physiotherapist quickly for a full assessment. They’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your injury and help you manage pain, avoid aggravating movements, know when to return to training, and choose the right exercises.
Book an appointment at a clinic near you today.
Article by Alexis Lasalle, physiotherapist. In collaboration with Guillaume Couillard, physiotherapist.
Sources :