top of page

Common Field Hockey Injuries and How Physiotherapists Address Them



Field hockey is a fast-paced, high-impact sport that demands agility, endurance, and quick reflexes. However, these demands also make players susceptible to injuries, both acute and chronic. As a physiotherapist who plays hockey and appreciates the demands of the sport, I see a range of musculoskeletal issues that affect players at all levels. In this blog, I’ll explore the epidemiology of these injuries and how physiotherapy plays a crucial role in prevention, management, and rehabilitation.


Epidemiology of Field Hockey Injuries

Studies suggest that field hockey injuries occur at a rate of approximately 6–8 injuries per 1,000 player-hours. Injuries can be categorized into:


1. Traumatic (Acute) Injuries

  • Ankle Sprains: One of the most common injuries due to sudden changes in direction and uneven playing surfaces.

  • Knee Ligament Injuries (ACL/MCL tears): Often occur from pivoting, sudden stops, or contact with other players.

  • Fractures and Contusions: Sticks, balls, and collisions can cause fractures (e.g., fingers, wrists) and deep bruising.

  • Facial Injuries: Although protective gear is used, the high-speed ball and stick still pose a risk for facial fractures and dental trauma.


2. Overuse Injuries

  • Patellar Tendinopathy ("Jumper’s Knee"): Due to repetitive jumping, sprinting, and deceleration.

  • Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Common in players with high running loads, often due to improper biomechanics or inadequate recovery. See the blog on video analysis of run technique (https://www.upnadamptphysio.com/post/the-benefits-of-video-analysis-in-running-injury-rehabilitation )

  • Lower Back Pain: Prolonged forward bending posture and rotational forces from hitting the ball contribute to lumbar spine issues.

  • Groin / Hamstring Strains and Hip Flexor Injuries: Result from repeated sprinting and directional changes.


The Importance of Screening for Injury Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent injuries before they happen is through comprehensive movement & strength screening. Physiotherapists use screening assessments to identify risk factors that could predispose an athlete to injury. These screenings typically assess:

  • Movement Patterns: Evaluating how players run, cut, and change direction to spot inefficiencies.

  • Muscle Activation Patterns: Ensuring that correct muscles are being utilised for different movements / motions involved in the sport

  • Strength and Stability: Assessing core, hip, and lower limb strength to detect weaknesses that may lead to acute & chronic hockey injuries.

  • Flexibility and Mobility: Identifying tightness or joint restrictions that can affect movement efficiency and increase strain on muscles, tendons & joints.


By addressing these factors before injuries occur, we can create individualised training programs to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and ultimately reduce injury risk.


Physiotherapy Approach to Field Hockey Injuries

Acute Injury Management

  • RICE Protocol: (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for initial swelling and pain control.

  • Early Mobilization: Controlled movement to prevent stiffness and promote healing.

  • Taping/Bracing: To provide support, healing and reduce re-injury risk.

  • Rehabilitation: Progressive loading to regain strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control.


Overuse Injury Prevention & Treatment

  • Biomechanical Assessment: Video analysis of running, cutting, and striking mechanics to identify movement inefficiencies.

  • Strength & Conditioning Programs: Focus on lower limb strength, core stability, and endurance to reduce injury risk.

  • Load Management: Balancing training intensity, game schedules, and recovery to prevent excessive strain.

  • Flexibility & Mobility Work: Addressing muscle imbalances to prevent compensatory injuries.


Return to Play Considerations

  • Sport-Specific Drills: Reintroducing hockey movements gradually to ensure readiness.

  • Balance & Proprioception Training: To prevent reinjury, especially after ankle or knee injuries.

  • Psychological Readiness: Confidence-building exercises and graded exposure to full competition.


Conclusion

Field hockey players are exposed to both acute and chronic injuries due to the sport's dynamic nature. Here at Up N Adam Performance Training & Physiotherapy, we not only offer comprehensive rehabilitation of injuries but also offer screening in order to identify risks early, correct movement patterns, and implement preventative strategies. By incorporating biomechanical corrections, strength training, and load management, we can help players stay injury-free and perform at their best.


If you're a field hockey player experiencing discomfort or looking to prevent injuries, consider booking a physiotherapy assessment to optimise your movement patterns, strength and performance.


This is Physiotherapist Katie Hamment, signing off for now!


You can book an appointment with Darren or Newcastle Knights Physiotherapists Katie or Hayd'n at www.upnadamptphysio.com

Comments


bottom of page