By Dr. Nicholas Calabrese, Chiropractor | EMPACT Wellness, Burlington, ON
Mid-Season Pain is Not Always “Just Part of the Game”
As we move into the second half of the hockey season, the physical toll of demanding practices, repetitive skating, body checks, and high-intensity shifts begins to accumulate. Athletes often push through minor aches and pains to stay on the ice, but mid-season fatigue often leads to a breakdown in mechanics. The shoulder, groin, and lower back are the most common areas that we see get injuries when the body’s tolerance for load is reached and surpassed.
Even if an athlete is still “game-ready,” underlying repetitive damage to ligaments or tendons can worsen, leading to chronic issues that linger long after the final whistle blows. This post will help in understanding common mid-season injuries, why early intervention is critical, and how mid-season screening and treatment can keep you in the lineup and ensure you are ready for playoffs.
Common Mid-Season Hockey Injuries
Shoulder: AC Joint Sprains and Rotator Cuff Strains
The shoulder often takes the brunt of the force during board battles and body checks. AC joint sprains (often pain on top of the shoulder) and rotator cuff strains (often pain with overhead movement or shooting) are common in the in-season athlete. While a player may have functional range of motion, these injuries can lead to weakness and hesitation during contact if not treated appropriately.
Groin – Adductor Strains and Hip Flexor Tightness
The mechanics of the skating stride place fairly significant stress on the adductor (inner thigh) and hip flexor muscles. Repetitive explosive starts and lateral movements can lead to aches and soreness in the hip and groin regions. Over time, tightness in these areas can limit stride length and increases the risk of a more severe injury that could end a season early and keep a player out of the playoffs.
Back – Low Back Strain from Twisting and Checking
Hockey is played in a “hinged” position, putting constant tension on the lumbar spine. Low back strains often result from the rotation required for shooting or the jarring impact of absorbing a check. This often manifests as stiffness that is worse the morning after a game.
When Does an Injury Need Further Attention?
You should consider seeking an early assessment if you notice:
- Pain that persists for more than 48 hours after a game or practice
- A pain that is more than just “muscle soreness”
- A noticeable decrease in power during your skating stride or shot
- Stiffness in the hips or back that requires a long time to “warm up”
- Feelings of “instability” in the shoulder after a hit
An early assessment and treatment plan can help prevent a minor pain from becoming a chronic, season-ending compensatory injury.
Prevention Tips: Staying Game-Ready
Maintaining mobility and strength throughout the season is key to facilitate recovery and reduce injury risk.
- Dynamic Pre-Game Warm-Up: Focus on active stretches for the hip flexors and adductors to prepare the muscles for the skating stride.
- Mid-Season Mobility: Specific, pain-free movements for the thoracic spine and hips can help offset the “hockey crouch” posture.
- Core Strength: Maintaining trunk stability is essential for protecting the low back during physical play.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help – Facilitate Recovery and Support Performance
Chiropractic care for hockey players focuses on restoring joint mechanics, improving hip and spine mobility, and ensuring the muscles stabilizing the joints are firing correctly.
Treatment often includes hands-on manual therapy, soft tissue work to release hip muscle tension, and acupuncture to reduce inflammation and manage nerve-related pain. This approach is fundamentally important for athletes as it helps improve load tolerance and ensures the body can handle the physical demands of a long season and playoffs.
Mid-Season Screening
If you are dealing with lingering soreness or a loss of performance, a mid-season screening assessment can help clarify the cause and keep you on the ice and playoff ready. A thorough assessment can identify minor issues before they become major setbacks. You can book an assessment through our online portal or by contacting us directly.
Written by Dr. Nicholas Calabrese, Chiropractor. Dr. Nick enjoys working with active individuals and athletic populations recovering from musculoskeletal injuries, with a focus on restoring pain-free movement, building strength, and supporting long-term resilience to future injuries.