Physiotherapy for Hockey Injuries

Hockey is one of Canada’s most demanding sports. The combination of high-speed skating, physical contact, and explosive movements puts significant stress on the body — making injuries a common part of the game at every level. Whether you play competitively or recreationally, recovering from a hockey injury requires more than rest. It requires the right care.

At Spectrum Physiotherapy in Newmarket, hockey injury rehabilitation is led by Paul Parikh, PT, PhD, a former team physiotherapist for the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. Every player receives one-on-one care and a treatment plan built around their injury, their position and their level of play. We treat hockey players of all ages and skill levels, from minor hockey to adult recreational leagues, and see patients from Newmarket and across York Region, including Aurora, East Gwillimbury and King.

Our goal is to get you back on the ice safely and with confidence, not just pain-free. Before you return to games, we confirm you’re ready using strength testing, hop and agility testing, and a step-by-step return-to-play plan.

Common Hockey Injuries We Treat

Hockey players are vulnerable to a wide range of injuries due to the physical nature of the sport. At Spectrum Physiotherapy, we regularly treat:

Groin pulls and hip problems — among the most common hockey injuries, often caused by the skating stride and sudden changes in direction
Shoulder and arm injuries — including separations and impact injuries from contact with the boards or other players
Rotator cuff injuries — affecting shoulder stability and stick-handling ability
Sprains and strains — to muscles and ligaments throughout the body
Ankle sprains — often occurring from awkward landings or skate-related trauma
Knee injuries — including MCL sprains and ACL and meniscus injuries, often caused by collisions, falls into the boards or awkward pivots
Wrist injuries — frequently caused by falls, checks, or stick contact
Back injuries — resulting from the bent skating posture and repetitive rotational movement
Concussions — managed with a gradual, stepwise return to sport that follows the Parachute Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport

Every injury is different, and our team takes the time to assess each patient individually to ensure the right treatment approach from the start.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy plays a central role in recovering from common hockey injuries — helping to reduce pain, restore movement, and rebuild strength in the affected area. At Spectrum Physiotherapy, your treatment plan is customized to your specific injury, your body, and your goals.

Depending on your needs, your physiotherapist may incorporate:

Exercise-based rehabilitation — progressive strengthening, mobility, balance and skating-specific drills, which form the foundation of every plan
Manual therapy — hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension
Shockwave therapy — sometimes used for stubborn tendon and soft tissue problems that haven’t responded to other treatments
Acupuncture and dry needling — may help reduce pain and muscle tension
Massage therapy — to help ease muscle tightness
Chiropractic care — for some cases of back and joint stiffness
Customized treatment plans — every patient receives a program built around their injury, fitness level, and return-to-sport timeline

Whether you’re dealing with a ligament sprain, a tendon injury, or a muscle strain, sports physiotherapy gives your body the structured support it needs to heal properly and perform at its best.

How We Get Hockey Players Back on the Ice

Going back on the ice too soon is one of the most common reasons hockey injuries come back. That’s why every return-to-play decision at Spectrum is based on testing, not just the calendar or how you feel. We combine three things:

Strength testing: We compare your injured side with your uninjured side. For groin injuries, this includes comparing your inner-thigh (adductor) strength with your outer-hip (abductor) strength.
Hop and agility testing: Single-leg hops, landing control and change-of-direction drills that reflect the quick starts, stops and crossovers of skating.
A graded return-to-play plan: You progress from off-ice rehab, to skating and stickhandling drills, to non-contact practice, and finally to full-contact games.

Why strength testing matters in hockey: in a study of NHL players, those whose adductor strength was less than 80% of their abductor strength were 17 times more likely to suffer a groin (adductor) strain (Tyler et al., American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2001).

We look at your skating mechanics and overall movement, not just the injured area, so your plan prepares you for the demands of the game. Spectrum Physiotherapy was named Top Choice Wellness Centre of 2023 in Aurora/Newmarket.

FAQ

How do you know when a hockey player is ready to return to the ice?

Feeling pain-free is a good sign, but it doesn’t always mean you’re ready for games. At Spectrum, we use a combination of strength testing, hop and agility testing, and a graded return-to-play plan. You’ll progress from off-ice rehab to skating and stickhandling drills, then non-contact practice, before returning to full-contact games. For concussions, we follow the stepwise return-to-sport approach in the Parachute Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport.

How long does it take to recover from a hockey injury with physiotherapy?

Recovery time depends on the type and severity of the injury. Minor sprains and strains may resolve within a few weeks with consistent physiotherapy, while more complex injuries — such as rotator cuff tears or significant ligament damage — may take several months. Your physiotherapist at Spectrum Physiotherapy will assess your injury and provide a realistic timeline based on your individual presentation and goals.

What types of hockey injuries does Spectrum Physiotherapy treat?

Our sports physiotherapy clinic in Newmarket treats a wide range of hockey injuries, including groin pulls, hip problems, shoulder and rotator cuff injuries, wrist injuries, ankle sprains, back injuries, concussions, and general sprains and strains. Each patient receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific injury and recovery needs.

Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist for a hockey injury in Ontario?

No referral is required to see a physiotherapist in Ontario. You can contact Spectrum Physiotherapy directly to book an assessment. However, if you are submitting a claim through insurance, WSIB, or a third-party provider, it is worth checking whether your plan has any specific requirements.

What is the difference between sports physiotherapy and regular physiotherapy?

Sports physiotherapy applies the same evidence-informed principles as general physiotherapy but with a focused understanding of athletic demands, sport-specific movement patterns, and return-to-play protocols. At Spectrum Physiotherapy, our approach to sports rehabilitation considers not just your injury, but the physical requirements of hockey — so your recovery is designed to get you fully back on the ice, not just pain-free in daily life.

Can physiotherapy help prevent future hockey injuries?

Yes. In addition to treating existing injuries, physiotherapy can play an important role in injury prevention. Your physiotherapist can identify movement imbalances, weaknesses, or biomechanical issues that may increase your risk of re-injury and develop a targeted program to address them. Many hockey players work with our team both during and between seasons to stay strong, mobile, and resilient throughout the year.

Customer Reviews

Excellent service led by an experienced professional, assisted by an enthusiastic and friendly support staff. Paul has an extremely positive attitude, a high level of education, and an athletic background that includes physiotherapy for an NHL team. This place can’t be beat.

John MorrisonGoogle Review

I have had headaches almost every day each month and ever since I have been there and seen Paul he has really helped with my headaches. I can now go a week without a headache. The staff is super friendly and they all make you feel super comfortable! You can really tell they try their best to make their patients feel better!

Alexis BusatoGoogle Review

This facility is the best physio place I’ve been to! Amazing place with amazing staff! Super professional and caring. Treatments are catered to you and they help you figure out how to do said exercises on your own. An overall amazing place for physiotherapy.

Neha KhoslaGoogle Review

After coming here for almost a year the staff, facility and environment have never wavered. I’m here once a week and everyone is always genuine, courteous and empathetic!!!!! Highly, highly recommend

Nomad BravoGoogle Review

I started going to Spectrum after having my daughter…the team was exceptional and within a few months I was back to my old self. I had such a great experience that after my mother’s knee replacement surgery – she also became a patient and saw great results! They focused on the root cause and worked with us to solve the issue/area of concern. The atmosphere is calm, clean and warm. The staff is extremely professional and very friendly. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Sofia PinoGoogle Review

I’ve suffered from lower back issues including sciatic pain for years. I’ve gone from chiropractor to chiropractor and finally found Paul and his fantastic sports injury team. I live downtown and make the drive to Newmarket as it’s worth the drive.

F. KhanGoogle Review