Hockey Rehab: How Physiotherapy Keeps Players in the Game
Hockey is fast, physical, and puts high demands on the body–and that’s true whether you’re playing professionally or just for fun. Unfortunately, injuries are common among hockey players, as the team at MSK Centre knows all too well, thanks to our work with members of the Kitchener Rangers and other high-level athletes.
However, we also know that physiotherapy can be important in keeping hockey players off the sidelines. Our unique integrated approach can help hockey players at all levels manage and prevent injury so they can perform at their best.
Hockey Injuries We See at Our Clinic
Hockey is a thrilling game that blends speed and high contact, two factors that can be major contributors to injury. However, hockey’s repetitive movements, like skating and shooting, can cause issues.
Here are some of the hockey-related injuries we’ve treated at MSK Centre:
Sprains and Strains
- Overstretching or tearing ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains) in the ankle, knee, groin, or shoulder.
- We’ll help reduce swelling, restore mobility, and rebuild strength in the affected area.
Concussions
- A brain injury caused by impact, leading to headaches, dizziness, or memory issues.
- We can guide you through a safe return-to-activity plan, provide balance and vision exercises, and monitor your progress to ensure you’re fully recovered before jumping back into play.
Fractures
- Broken bones, often in the wrist, collarbone, or leg
- While fractures need immediate medical attention, our team is here after your bone heals to rebuild strength and prevent long-term weakness.
Dislocations
- Joints forced out of place, especially the shoulders
- We’ll help you restore your range of motion, strengthen stabilizing muscles, and reduce the chance of the joint slipping out again.
Overuse injuries
- Stress on joints and tendons, such as hockey hip, a catch-all term for common hip injuries like labral tears or hip impingement
- We’ll create a treatment plan customized to your injury, including techniques such as targeted strengthening, mobility drills, and technique adjustments to ease stress and prevent flare-ups.
Targeted Techniques to Help You Find Relief
Physiotherapy offers a comprehensive, personalized approach to restoring mobility, strength, and function so you can feel confident when you return to play. We’ll assess your injury and goals to create a program that pulls from approaches like the following:
Manual Therapy
These hands-on techniques reduce stiffness, improve joint movement, and ease muscle tightness. We often use manual therapy for hockey players to restore hip and shoulder function after strain or contact injury.
Modalities for Pain and Healing
We use tools like shockwave therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote tissue repair. These treatments are especially useful for stubborn injuries like tendonitis.
Exercise Therapy
Custom exercise programs form the foundation of your treatment plan and often include:
• Strength training to support muscles around vulnerable joints like knees and shoulders.
• Core stabilization to improve balance and reduce stress on the spine.
• Mobility drills to maintain a full range of motion, especially in the hips and ankles.
Neuromuscular Re-education
After an injury, muscles and nerves may not communicate effectively, which can impact your recovery. We use targeted drills like balance boards or single-leg exercises to retrain coordination and restore normal movement.
Sport-Specific Rehabilitation
Hockey players need targeted rehab to return to the game. We’ll guide you through drills that mimic skating, shooting, and checking. To prepare for game play, your program may include resisted skating strides, plyometric drills, or controlled contact practice.
Concussion Management
Safe return to play after a concussion requires careful assessment from our team, as symptoms can vary widely. Our physiotherapists will work with you to address your specific needs through symptom monitoring, gradual exercise progression, patient education, and more.
Our Team Knows Hockey
Hockey is a demanding sport that requires strength, speed, and resilience. Injuries can sideline even the toughest players, but MSK Centre is here to guide you back to health. Through hands-on care, tailored exercises, and sport-specific training, we help athletes get back in the game as safely as possible.
We encourage you to schedule a check-up before the season really gets underway. That way, you can address any weaknesses or imbalances before they become an injury. And if you do suspect an injury this year, our team is standing by!
Return to PT at MSK Centre!
Miss feeling your best? Come back to MSK Centre and let us help you get there—schedule your appointment today!
“Amazing stuff, very friendly and helpful. Doc. Grosso was my son’s doctor, he was amazing. MSK is a very clean clinic, highly recommended”
-Araz h.
MSK and Baseball! ⚾️
The teams from the MSK Centre and Sante Circle Health recently enjoyed a day at the ballpark, cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays to another exciting win. It was a great outing filled with team spirit, camaraderie, and plenty of fun!
November Word Scramble
nmrbemrceea
lpame
oermefd
yoppp
atowlroe
ssitetiefiv
Answer Key
remembrance
maple
freedom
poppy
waterloo
festivities
Announcing Our New 40+ Personal Training Program!
At MSK Centre, we know that getting back to regular exercise (or starting from scratch) can be intimidating, especially if you’re middle-aged or older. Fortunately, you’ve got a helping hand with our new personal training program.
Why Work with a Personal Trainer?
It’s not a secret that physical inactivity increases the risk of many chronic illnesses. Regular exercise can reduce joint pain, help with high blood sugar or blood pressure, and protect against age-related muscle decline.
Unfortunately, many people in midlife find traditional fitness centres overwhelming or unwelcoming. And if you’re managing a chronic condition (like arthritis), you may need some additional support to stay safe.
Our personal training program works to remove these barriers. Led by a kinesiologist and targeting people 40 and up, it can help you build strength, improve mobility, and reduce health risks that can develop as you age.
What sets us apart is that we tailor your workout plans specifically to your physical ability, medical history, and personal goals. Whether you’re managing osteoarthritis or just want to boost your wellness, we’re here to help!
What Does the Program Offer?
- Consultation with a physiotherapist as needed
- Supervised strength training adapted to each individual’s needs
- Balance and coordination exercises to reduce fall risk
- Mobility work to ease stiffness and support joint health
- Conditioning for improved cardiovascular capacity, including VO₂ Max testing
- Activity-specific training to support lifestyle and injury prevention
- Safe progression for those recovering from injury or managing chronic conditions
Ready to Get Started?
If you think you’d benefit from our new program, contact MSK Centre today to set up your initial appointment!
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Exercise of the Month
PRONE HIP EXTENSION
Start by lying face down on the floor. Gently tighten your abdominals/core. While keeping your knee straight, squeeze your butt muscle and slowly raise one leg off the ground. Hold for 2 seconds. Slowly lower and repeat with the other leg.
3 Sets, 10 Reps.
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Healthy Recipe
Delicious Spinach Dip
This Delicious Healthy Spinach Dip is the perfect guilt-free snack, packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a light bite, it’s a tasty way to enjoy a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 x 10 oz packages chopped spinach, frozen
- 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced + 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated
- 2 tbsp oil, for frying
- 2 cups Greek or regular plain yogurt, at least 2% fat
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Defrost spinach in a colander overnight or microwave it. Squeeze out excess water and place in a medium bowl. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and carrot in a bit of oil for about 7 minutes. Add to the spinach along with yogurt, mayo, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Grate in more garlic to taste. Chill for a few hours if possible. Serve with pretzel chips or brown rice crackers.
Refer a Friend
If you’ve experienced the outstanding care at MSK Centre, why not share it with your friends? Referring them means giving them access to personalized treatment that can make a real difference in their health and well-being. Help them find a trusted healthcare partner—refer a friend to MSK Centre today!
Meet Our Team
Robert Chalmers
B.Sc.(PT), B.A.(PHE), MCPA
Drew Dupras
Hons. B. Kin, M.Sc.PT
Jordan Fayez
BKin (Hon), M.Sc.PT
Parth Suthar
Hons. BHSc. Kin, DPT
Joan Tew
B.H.Sc.PT
Thirusan Thiruchelvam
B.Sc.Kin(Hons), M.Sc.PT, Cert.SMT
Vito Manchisi
BKin Honours, MScPT
Adam Yousufzay
BSc Honours, MScPT
Adrienne Paliyath
BSc(Kin), M.Sc.(P.T.)
Alexandra Ilich
B.H.Sc.(PT), H.B.Sc., MCPA, Advanced BoneFit™ Certified
Patrick Lee
PT, BScPT, BSc, MSc
Dr. Julia Callaghan
B.Sc. (Hons), DC
Dr. Joel Dixon
B.Kin. (Hons), DC
Dr. Michael Frey
B.Sc. (Hons.), DC
Dr. Kevin Fuss
B.Sc, DC
Dr. Andrew Robb
BA, DC, FRCCSS(C), CSCS, Acu., ART®
Dr. Nick Bayley
MD, FRCS(C), Dip Sport Med
Dr. Olivier Gauthier-Kwan
MD, FRCS(C)
Dr. Chris Geddes
MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
Dr. Brandon Girardi
MD, MEd, FRCS(C)
Dr. Paul Grosso
MD, FRCS(C)
Dr. Thomas Hupel
MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
Dr. Rick Lau
MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
Dr. Matthew Snider
MD, FRCS(C)
Dr. David Stevens
MD, BSc, FRCS(C), CIME
Dr. Horacio Yepes
MD FRCSC
Dr. Kevin Asem
MD, CCFP(SEM), Dip Sport Med
Dr. Peter Keizer
MD, CCFP (EM), Dip Sport Med
Dr. John McCuaig
MD, CCFP(SEM), Dip Sport Med
Alicia Petrie
CCPA, B.Sc.PA, B.Sc.Kin (Hons)
Kim Schlattman
CCPA, B.H.Sc. PA, BSc. (Hons)
