Shouldering the Burden – Why Healing Shoulder Injuries in Hockey Is Critical

Every hockey player knows the feeling — you go in for a big hit, battle along the boards, or take a weird fall, and bam — your shoulder feels like it’s hanging on by a thread.
The truth is, shoulder injuries are one of the most common and devastating problems hockey players face, and rushing back too soon can leave lasting damage.
Here’s why properly healing shoulder injuries matters more than just gutting it out for the boys.

1. Shoulder Injuries Are a Top 3 Hockey Injury

In hockey, shoulders take constant abuse — whether it’s from collisions, checking, or awkward landings.
According to The American Journal of Sports Medicine, shoulder injuries make up about 15–20% of all hockey-related injuries, especially at higher levels of play.

Whether it’s a dislocation, separation, or torn rotator cuff, shoulder issues are serious — and they don’t just “get better” without real treatment.

2. Rushing Back Too Early = Major Risk of Re-Injury

One of the worst mistakes a player can make? Rushing shoulder recovery because it “feels fine” after a few days.
Studies show athletes who return from shoulder dislocations without full rehab have up to a 90% chance of re-injury within 2 years (Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine).

That’s not just bad luck — it’s bad planning. Every time you pop that shoulder again, it weakens further, making it easier to injure and harder to fix.

3. You Lose Strength, Stability, and Confidence

Your shoulders aren’t just for throwing big hits — they control your shot power, stickhandling, and balance.
After a shoulder injury, if you don’t properly rehab, you could lose 15–30% of your upper body strength — permanently (British Journal of Sports Medicine).

Try ripping a one-timer or battling in front of the net when your shoulder feels like it’s made of spaghetti noodles.
Pro tip: Healing properly means you’re not just “playing through pain” — you’re playing at full strength again.

4. Chronic Shoulder Instability = Surgery or Worse

Repeated trauma without healing leads to chronic instability — where your shoulder can literally slip out during normal movement.
Fun fact (well, not so fun for me): Over 30% of hockey players who don’t let a shoulder heal properly eventually require surgical reconstruction (Sports Health Journal).

The difference between 8 weeks of solid rehab vs. 8 months after surgery? Night and day. Trust me: tape, ice, and ibuprofen are not a long-term solution.

5. Proper Healing Extends Your Career (and Saves Your Lifestyle)

If you want to keep playing hockey well into your men’s league years — or just be able to lift your kids without wincing — shoulder health is non-negotiable.
Fully healed shoulders mean better shooting, safer hitting, smoother skating, and yes, better chirping from the blue line.

It’s simple: heal it right now, or regret it for a long, long time later.

Final Shift:

In hockey, pain is part of the deal — but permanent damage shouldn’t be.
If you bang up your shoulder, don’t be the hero who shrugs it off and ends up in a sling.
Take your healing seriously, build back stronger, and stay in the game — the right way.

Because nobody ever wins a championship on the injured reserve list.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR ARTICLE ABOUT THE 5 BEST PRODUCTS FOR SHOULDER PAIN