As hockey season approaches, young athletes are lacing up their skates, hitting the ice, and ramping up their training. From power skating drills to preseason scrimmages, this is the time of year when routines pick up speed, and bodies take on more impact.

While the excitement builds, so does the risk of overuse and injury. Long practices, physical play, and repetitive movements put stress on muscles and joints. That is why many athletes are adding chiropractic care to their training plan, not just to recover from injuries, but to prevent them.

At OMWC, we work with young hockey players to improve mobility, reduce strain, and keep them in peak condition for the season ahead.

Common Injuries in Youth Hockey Players

Hockey is one of the most demanding sports, requiring agility, endurance, and strength. However, different positions come with unique injury risks.

Goalies: Hip and Groin Strains

The constant dropping into a butterfly position and rapid lateral movements put goalies at high risk for hip and groin injuries. Over time, repetitive stress on the hip flexors and adductors can lead to chronic strains, limited mobility, and pain that affect performance.

Defensemen: Shoulder and Lower Back Pain

Defensemen are frequently absorbing impact—blocking shots, battling in the corners, and taking hits along the boards. This makes them prone to shoulder, collarbone, and rib injuries, as well as lower back pain from bracing against collisions.

Forwards: Knee and Hip Injuries

Forwards move fast, pivot hard, and take high-speed open-ice hits. Their quick, explosive movements make them more susceptible to knee injuries (ACL/MCL strains) and hip issues from repetitive skating motions and face-offs.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Young Hockey Players Stay on the Ice

Hockey injuries don’t just cause pain; they can impact skating speed, balance, shooting power, and reaction time. Chiropractic care addresses the root cause of discomfort, helping young athletes heal faster, perform better, and avoid future injuries.

Key benefits include:

1. Faster Recovery: Spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy improve joint function and circulation, speeding up the healing process after injuries.
2. Injury Prevention: Correcting misalignments and muscle imbalances reduces stress on joints, lowering the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
3. Improved Mobility & Power: Chiropractic adjustments enhance range of motion, helping players skate faster, pivot sharper, and shoot stronger.
4. Better Posture & Stability: Core and spinal alignment improve balance on skates, reducing the risk of falls and awkward landings.

Stay on the Ice This Playoff Season

Don’t let injuries keep your young athlete off the ice when it matters most. Chiropractic care helps hockey players stay strong, recover faster, and perform at their best.