Hard Hits & Healing: How Chiropractic Care Helps Hockey Injuries Heal Faster

canada custom orthotics hockey hockey injury recovery kelowna chiropractic Apr 09, 2025

Hard Hits & Healing: How Chiropractic Care Helps Hockey Injuries Heal Faster

Hockey is a thrilling, high-speed sport—but it's also one of the most physically demanding games out there. Whether you play recreationally or at a competitive level, the wear and tear on your body can build up fast. From sudden collisions to overuse, hockey players are no strangers to injury.

At Tutt Street Family Chiropractic, we see athletes all the time—especially hockey players—who are battling aches, strains, and persistent injuries that just won’t quit. The good news? Chiropractic care offers a powerful, drug-free way to get back on the ice faster and stronger.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common hockey injuries and how our integrated chiropractic approach—including Shockwave Therapy, Laser Therapy, and custom orthotics—can help you heal, perform, and stay in the game.

🚨 Common Injuries Faced by Hockey Players

Hockey combines speed, contact, and sharp movements—so it’s no wonder the injuries can stack up. Here are a few we treat often:

1. Concussions & Neck Strain

Hard checks and awkward falls can lead to concussions or whiplash-type injuries. Even minor hits can throw off your alignment or create tension in the upper spine and neck.

2. Shoulder Injuries (AC Joint Sprains, Dislocations)

The shoulder takes a lot of impact, especially in collisions or when players are checked into the boards. These injuries can reduce your range of motion and cause lingering pain.

3. Lower Back Pain

Hockey posture isn’t easy on the spine. Players are constantly hunched forward, creating strain through the lumbar region. Over time, this can lead to disc issues or muscular imbalances.

4. Groin Pulls & Hip Flexor Strains

Quick starts, stops, and pivots are hard on the hips. Muscle strains and imbalances in the groin or hip flexors are common in both practice and games.

5. Knee Injuries (Sprains, MCL/LCL issues)

With sudden direction changes and high-intensity play, knee injuries are common. And they’re not always dramatic—a small imbalance in your foot or hip can throw off your knee mechanics and increase your risk.

6. Foot & Ankle Pain (Plantar Fasciitis, Arch Collapse)

Skating puts huge demand on the feet and ankles. Without proper support, issues like plantar fasciitis, collapsed arches, and ankle instability can creep in.

💪 How Chiropractic Helps Hockey Players Recover (and Perform)

Chiropractic care goes far beyond simple spinal adjustments. In our clinic, we use a whole-body, integrated approach to treat injuries at the source—and help you recover faster, avoid re-injury, and perform at your best.

Here’s how:

Spinal & Joint Adjustments

Alignment matters. When your spine and joints are out of place—even slightly—it can affect your posture, balance, and coordination. Gentle adjustments restore motion and function, reduce pain, and speed healing.

💥 Shockwave Therapy: Breaking Through Chronic Pain

Shockwave Therapy is a game-changer for chronic injuries like:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Calcific shoulder tendinitis
  • Shin splints
  • Groin pulls
  • Scar tissue build-up

This treatment uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate tissue repair, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation—all without drugs or downtime.

For players struggling with that nagging pain that just won’t go away, shockwave can help reset the healing process and get you back on the ice faster.

🔴 Laser Therapy: Powering Up Cellular Healing

Cold Laser Therapy uses light energy to reach deep into the tissues, accelerating healing at the cellular level. It’s especially effective for:

  • Muscle strains
  • Ligament sprains
  • Bruising and inflammation
  • Post-concussion tension headaches

Laser therapy is non-invasive, pain-free, and ideal for players who want to speed up recovery between games or practices.

👟 Custom Orthotics: Support from the Ground Up

If your foundation is off, everything above it suffers. That’s where custom orthotics come in.

Skating puts unique pressure on the feet, and imbalances in your arches can contribute to:

  • Knee pain
  • Hip tension
  • Lower back issues
  • Fatigue during long shifts

By correcting foot alignment, orthotics can improve your stride, enhance stability, and reduce injury risk throughout the lower body.

🏒 Proactive Care = Better Performance

Whether you're nursing an old injury or trying to prevent the next one, proactive chiropractic care can be a key part of your training and recovery plan.

At Tutt Street Family Chiropractic, we tailor treatment plans to your body, sport, and goals. From weekend warriors to elite players, our goal is the same: help you move better, feel better, and play stronger.

✅ Ready to Bounce Back From a Hockey Injury?

If you're recovering from a hit, battling a stubborn injury, or just want to stay healthy through the season, we’re here to help. Book a consultation today to learn more about how our chiropractic approach with shockwave, laser, and orthotics can get you back on the ice—better than ever.

📞 Call us (250-486-0062) or book online to get started. Let’s get you moving like a pro.

Ready to take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free life? At Tutt Street Chiropractic, we're currently accepting new patients and offer same-day and next-day appointments for your convenience. There's no need for a doctor's referral, and we'll even bill directly to your insurance provider. Don't wait any longer to start your journey to improved spine health and wellness. Click here to book your appointment with Dr. Cary Yurkiw in Kelowna today!

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