Hockey is one of the most dynamic and physically demanding sports. High-speed skating, sudden direction changes, and heavy contact put major stress on the joints, muscles, and bones. Whether you play recreationally or competitively, knowing the most common orthopedic hockey injuries—and how they’re diagnosed and treated—can help you recover faster and stay in the game.

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1. Shoulder Injuries: Dislocations, Labral Tears & AC Joint Sprains

Keywords: hockey shoulder injury NYC, shoulder dislocation, AC joint separation, labrum tear, orthopedic treatment Manhattan

What happens:
Hockey players often collide with the boards or fall onto an outstretched arm, leading to shoulder dislocations, AC (acromioclavicular) joint separations, or labral tears.

Symptoms: Shoulder pain, instability, popping, or loss of motion.

Treatment:

• Rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy for mild injuries
• Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization or labral repair if instability persists
• Strengthening and sport-specific rehab to restore stability and power

2. Knee Injuries: MCL, ACL & Meniscus Tears

Keywords: hockey knee injury, ACL tear New York, MCL sprain, meniscus tear, knee surgery NYC

What happens:
Twisting or contact at the knee can cause ligament sprains or tears. The MCL is most commonly injured, followed by ACL and meniscus injuries.

Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and knee instability when skating or pivoting.

Treatment:

• Grade I–II sprains: bracing and structured physical therapy
• ACL or meniscus tears: arthroscopic reconstruction or repair for athletes returning to competition
• Comprehensive rehabilitation focusing on strength, balance, and skating mechanics

3. Hip & Groin Injuries: Labral Tears and Adductor Strains

Keywords: hockey hip pain, hip labral tear, sports hernia, adductor strain, hip impingement NYC

What happens:
Hockey’s repetitive stride and rotation stress the hips and groin. Players are prone to hip labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and sports hernias.

Symptoms: Deep hip or groin pain, clicking, or stiffness when skating.

Treatment:

• Rest, ice, and focused physical therapy for core and hip stabilization
• Image-guided injections for inflammation relief
• Arthroscopic hip labral repair or FAI correction when conservative care fails

4. Wrist & Hand Injuries: Fractures and TFCC Tears

Keywords: hockey wrist injury, scaphoid fracture, TFCC tear, hand injury New York

What happens:
Falls or direct puck impact can cause scaphoid fractures, finger dislocations, or TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) tears.

Treatment:

• Casting or splinting for stable injuries
• Surgical fixation for displaced fractures
• Hand therapy to restore grip strength and motion

5. Concussions & Neck Strain

Keywords: hockey concussion, neck injury, cervical strain, return-to-play protocol

What happens:
Board collisions or high-speed contact can cause concussions or neck strain.

Treatment:

• Immediate evaluation by a sports medicine or concussion specialist
• Stepwise return-to-play protocol under medical supervision
• Physical therapy to improve cervical mobility and balance

6. Overuse Injuries: Back Pain, Tendinitis & Stress Fractures

Keywords: hockey overuse injury, lower back pain, tendinitis, stress fracture treatment NYC

What happens:
Year-round play and repetitive motions can cause lumbar strain, patellar tendinitis, or stress fractures.

Treatment:

• Cross-training, rest, and load management
• Core stabilization and flexibility programs
• Imaging if pain persists to rule out stress injury

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

If you experience pain, swelling, instability, or loss of motion that lasts more than a few days, it’s time to see an orthopedic sports medicine physician. Early diagnosis and proper rehabilitation can prevent chronic instability, arthritis, or re-injury.

At New York Orthopedics, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists offer comprehensive care for hockey players—from diagnosis and advanced imaging to minimally invasive surgery and personalized rehabilitation.

Hockey Injury Prevention Tips

• Warm up thoroughly before skating
• Maintain hip and core strength year-round
• Replace dull skate blades to prevent edge slips
• Use properly fitted protective gear
• Rest adequately between practices and games

Expert Orthopedic Care for Hockey Players in New York City

New York Orthopedics is one of Manhattan’s premier orthopedic and sports medicine practices. Our specialists care for athletes at every level, from youth hockey to professionals.
We offer state-of-the-art treatments for shoulder, knee, hip, and wrist injuries, including arthroscopic surgery, non-operative care, and custom rehabilitation plans to get players safely back on the ice.

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