Shoulder Injuries in Hockey: What Players Need to Know

Hockey is fast, physical, and demanding on the entire body. Between checking, falling on the ice, contact with the boards, and using your arms to shoot and handle the puck, the shoulders can take a significant amount of stress.

Shoulder injuries are common in hockey players, particularly during contact situations. Some of the most common include shoulder separations, shoulder dislocations, and collarbone fractures.

While some shoulder injuries may require surgery or a period away from the ice, physiotherapy can play an important role in helping hockey players regain strength, mobility, stability, and confidence before returning to the game.

At Physical Edge Physiotherapy in Oakville, Ontario, we help hockey players recover from injuries and safely progress through rehabilitation so they can get back on the ice.

Common Shoulder Injuries in Hockey Players

AC Joint Injuries and Shoulder Separations

An AC joint injury, often called a shoulder separation, affects the joint where the collarbone meets the top of the shoulder blade.

This is one of the most common shoulder injuries in hockey. It can happen when a player lands directly on their shoulder or is checked shoulder-first into the boards.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain on top of the shoulder

• Swelling or bruising

• Pain when lifting the arm

• Difficulty sleeping on the injured side

• A visible bump at the top of the shoulder in some cases

The severity of an AC joint injury can vary significantly, so recovery time will depend on the grade of the injury and the structures involved.

Shoulder Dislocations and Instability

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone moves out of its normal position within the shoulder joint.

Hockey players can be particularly vulnerable because collisions and falls can force the shoulder into vulnerable positions. Shoulder instability can also develop after a previous dislocation, causing the player to feel like their shoulder may "slip" or give way.

Rehabilitation is important after a dislocation to rebuild the strength and control needed to stabilize the shoulder during hockey movements.

Collarbone Fractures

The collarbone, or clavicle, connects the shoulder to the chest. A hard fall or collision can cause the bone to fracture.

A suspected fracture requires medical assessment and imaging. Physiotherapy may become an important part of recovery once the injury has sufficiently healed, helping restore shoulder movement and strength.

Why Is Shoulder Rehabilitation Important for Hockey Players?

Getting through your daily activities without pain doesn't necessarily mean your shoulder is ready for hockey.

Hockey requires your shoulder to tolerate:

• Checking and contact

• Falling

• Shooting

• Passing

• Stick handling

• Lifting and carrying equipment

• Rapid arm movements

• Bracing during falls

Returning before your shoulder has regained adequate strength and control may make it harder to handle these demands.

The goal of rehabilitation isn't simply to make the shoulder feel better. It is to prepare your shoulder for the specific movements and forces you will experience when you return to the ice.

How Can Physiotherapy Help a Hockey Shoulder Injury?

Physiotherapy can help guide you through each stage of recovery.

Your physiotherapist may assess your:

• Shoulder range of motion

• Shoulder and upper-body strength

• Rotator cuff function

• Shoulder stability

• Scapular control

• Thoracic spine mobility

• Balance and coordination

• Sport-specific movements

Based on your assessment, your physiotherapist can develop a progressive rehabilitation program.

Restoring Shoulder Mobility

Following an injury, it is common for shoulder movement to become limited because of pain, swelling, or a period of immobilization.

Your physiotherapist can introduce appropriate mobility exercises and gradually restore your range of motion while respecting the healing process.

Building Strength

Strengthening is an important part of returning to hockey.

Your rehabilitation may include exercises targeting the:

• Rotator cuff

• Shoulder blade muscles

• Chest

• Upper back

• Arms

• Core

Strength exercises can start with simple movements and gradually progress to more challenging exercises as your shoulder improves.

Improving Shoulder Stability

Your shoulder needs to be able to control movement during unexpected situations.

Exercises may challenge your ability to stabilize your shoulder while:

• Supporting your body weight

• Moving your arms

• Catching or throwing

• Changing direction

• Performing faster movements

This can help prepare your shoulder for the unpredictable nature of hockey.

Research and expert consensus support incorporating shoulder strength, mobility, dynamic stability, and injury-prevention exercises into athletic programs.

Returning to Hockey After a Shoulder Injury

Returning to hockey should be a gradual process rather than simply waiting until your pain disappears.

Your rehabilitation may progress from:

1. Normal daily activities

2. Basic shoulder exercises

3. Progressive strengthening

4. More challenging stability exercises

5. Dryland hockey-specific movements

6. Shooting and stick handling

7. Skating and hockey drills

8. Non-contact practice

9. Full practice

10. Return to competition

The exact progression will depend on your injury, treatment, and individual recovery.

For example, an athlete recovering from an AC joint injury will have different requirements from a player recovering from a shoulder dislocation or surgery.

Can Shoulder Injuries Be Prevented?

Not every hockey shoulder injury can be prevented, especially when contact and collisions are involved. However, maintaining good shoulder strength, mobility, and control may help prepare your body for the demands of the sport.

A hockey strength and conditioning program can include:

• Rotator cuff strengthening

• Shoulder blade strengthening

• Upper-back exercises

• Core strengthening

• Mobility exercises

• Balance and stability exercises

• Sport-specific conditioning

Properly fitted protective equipment is also important. Shoulder pads should fit appropriately and provide adequate coverage without unnecessarily restricting movement.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

If you have persistent shoulder pain after a hockey injury, difficulty lifting your arm, a feeling of instability, or trouble returning to your normal activities, it is worth getting assessed.

A physiotherapist can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether you are ready to progress your activity.

If you have experienced a significant collision, visible deformity, suspected fracture, or possible dislocation, you should seek appropriate medical assessment before beginning rehabilitation.

Get Back on the Ice With Confidence

A shoulder injury doesn't have to mean the end of your hockey season. With appropriate medical care and a progressive rehabilitation program, many players can regain their strength and function and work toward returning to the ice.

At Physical Edge Physiotherapy in Oakville, Ontario, our physiotherapists can help hockey players recover from shoulder injuries, rebuild strength and stability, and progress through sport-specific rehabilitation.

Whether you're recovering from a shoulder separation, dislocation, or another hockey-related shoulder injury, the right rehabilitation plan can help you work toward a safe and confident return to the game you love.