As the rinks fill up and hockey season kicks into full gear across Ottawa, players of all ages; kinds in minor hockey, recreational adults, and competitive athletes are gearing up for months of fast skating, quick pivots, and high-impact play. With January marking the heart of the hockey season, many athletes begin to notice the aches, strains, and stiffness that comes with weeks of skating, training, and competition in Canada's most beloved sport.
At Premier Physiotherapy Clinic in Ottawa, we work with hockey players every season to prevent injuries, improve strength and mobility, and ensure they stay on the ice confidently and safely.
Why So Many Hockey Players In Ottawa Benefit From Physiotherapy
Hockey is a physically demanding sport that challenges the entire body. The combination of speed, contact, and repetitive movements put athletes at an increased risk of injuries that can either be sport-specific or common to the general population. We see this especially early in the season when players are still adapting to new training loads.
Physiotherapy helps hockey players by addressing:
- Muscle imbalances during single-leg stances (e.g., skating)
- Reduced hip mobility and core stability
- Overuse injuries from repetitive shooting, skating, and checking
- Optimal recovery between practices, games, and tournaments
Whether you're a competitive player or a weekend skater at the Sensplex, physiotherapy supports safer performance all season long.
Common Hockey Injuries Seen at Premier Physiotherapy
- Groin and Hip Strains: One of the most common issues in hockey. The skating stride places high demands on the hip flexors, adductors, and glute. When these muscles are tight or imbalanced, strains are more likely, especially as the season ramps up.
- Lower Back Pain: Forward-leaning posture, shooting mechanics, and rotational power all place stress on the lower back. Physiotherapy helps address optimal movement patterns and strengthen the supporting muscles.
- Shoulder Injuries: From body checks to falls on the ice, shoulder injuries are prevalent! Strengthening the rotator cuff and improving shoulder stability is essential for staying in the game. Maintaining shoulder musculature to improve stability is a fantastic preventative strategy. Improving shoulder strength and functional mobility is necessary to manage current injuries and prevent future reoccurrences,
- Knee Injuries: Quick pivots, sudden stops, and collisions increase the strain on the knee. If you've heard of the MCL or meniscus irritation, so have we. Strengthening the leg musculature surrounding the knees and maintaining hip health provides crucial support for the knee
- Concussion-Related Neck and Posture Issues: While concussion management is multidisciplinary, physiotherapists play a key role in addressing associated symptoms such as neck stiffness, headaches related to neck stiffness, balance deficits, and postural deficits that often accompany head injuries. You physiotherapist can also advise on an appropriate return to sport plan.
How Physiotherapy Supports Hockey Performance
At Premier Physiotherapy Clinic in Ottawa, we help hockey players at all levels enhance performance while reducing injury risk through:
Support for Injury Management & Prevention
Sports-Specific Mechanics Assessment
Optimizing Function with Hands-on Techniques
Flexibility and Mobility Training
Strength and Conditioning Programs
Balance, Agility, and Stability Work
Education & Recovery Strategies
For Parents: Keeping Young Hockey Players Safe
Periods of increased training, competition, or enthusiasm can often lead young athletes to:
- Inconsistent warm-ups
- Repetitive/overuse injuries
- Poor recovery habits
- Bad movement patterns that follow them into later years
Our physiotherapist help young players build the foundations for safe, strong and long-term participation in hockey, whether they're playing house league or competitive.
As tournament season picks up and mid season push for playoffs, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the injuries, improve mobility, and boost on-ice performance. Whether you're managing pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to strengthen your game, physiotherapy can help.
Book an appointment with Premier Physiotherapy Clinic in Ottawa to support your strength, confidence, and performance throughout the hockey season.
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