🏒 Stay in the Game: How Physical Therapy Helps Hockey Players Prevent Injury
Hockey is one of the fastest, most physically demanding sports out there. Whether you’re a youth player, weekend warrior, or a competitive athlete, the demands on your body—from explosive skating and quick direction changes to intense contact—make injury prevention a top priority. That’s where preventative physical therapy, also known as prehab, plays a vital role.
Why Prehab Matters in Hockey
Most hockey players are familiar with physical therapy after an injury—like rehabbing a torn labrum or recovering from a concussion. But the smartest players are starting to see the value of getting ahead of injuries before they happen. Prehab focuses on identifying and addressing muscle imbalances, mobility restrictions, and movement inefficiencies that can lead to injury over time.
Rather than waiting until you're sidelined, prehab helps you stay strong, mobile, and on the ice all season long.
Common Injuries in Hockey—and How Prehab Can Help
Some of the most common hockey injuries include:
Hip impingements and labral tears
Groin strains
Lower back pain
Shoulder instability
Knee ligament sprains
Concussions and neck strain
Prehab physical therapy targets the underlying causes of these injuries. For example:
Hip and groin issues are often caused by poor pelvic control or tight internal rotators—both of which can be improved through targeted mobility and strengthening exercises.
Lower back and core issues usually stem from weak or underactive stabilizers. A PT can build a custom plan to restore balance and improve core control.
Shoulder and upper-body injuries often result from poor posture, weak rotator cuff muscles, or lack of thoracic mobility—areas PT can correct before they become problems.
What a Preventative PT Program Looks Like
A good prehab plan for hockey players should be individualized and based on a thorough movement screen. At our clinic, we typically start with:
✅ Mobility testing – hips, shoulders, spine, and ankles
✅ Strength and stability assessment – core, glutes, rotator cuff
✅ Skating pattern analysis – mechanics of stride and change of direction
✅ Injury history review – looking for recurring issues or weaknesses
From there, we build a customized routine to address deficits—often including dynamic warm-ups, strength training, flexibility work, and recovery strategies.
The Competitive Edge
Preventative physical therapy isn’t just about staying healthy—it’s about performing better. When your joints move the way they should, and your muscles fire efficiently, you become faster, stronger, and more resilient. That’s a major competitive advantage, whether you're trying to make a team or extend your playing career.
Final Takeaway
Hockey players push their bodies to the limit. Physical therapy shouldn't just be a reaction to injury—it should be part of your training and maintenance routine. Investing in prehab now can mean fewer injuries, more playing time, and a longer, healthier career on the ice.
Interested in a hockey-specific movement screen or prehab program?
Schedule your performance assessment at Rule 76 Performance and stay one step ahead of any set backs by working with a physiotherapist who PLAYED DIVISION 1 COLLEGE HOCKEY!
