As hockey season ramps up across the region, players are getting ready for their first practices, scrimmages, and games. Whether you lace up for a competitive team, join a local recreational league, or just enjoy spending time at the rink, keeping your body moving well can make a real difference throughout the season.
For Victoria chiropractor Dr. Amar Sandhu, hockey isn’t just a professional interest. As a lifelong player and dedicated fan, he understands the physical intensity of the sport, the demands placed on key joints and muscles, and the value of preparing your body long before the puck drops. As he explains, “Hockey is fast, dynamic, and unpredictable. When your body moves well and feels balanced, it’s easier to stay in control through every shift.”
Why Hockey Takes a Toll on the Body
Hockey blends speed, power, and constant changes in direction. Skating places repeated stress on the hips and pelvis due to the forward posture and rotation required for each stride. The lower back works hard to support quick transitions, while the neck and mid back react to sudden stops, battles for the puck, and the occasional collision. The shoulders absorb force from shooting and falls, and the knees and ankles work continuously as you edge, pivot, and accelerate.
These repeated demands add up over time, making preseason preparation and in-season recovery essential.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Hockey Players Thrive
Chiropractic care supports healthy joint motion so your body can move with fewer restrictions. When the spine and pelvis function well together, strides feel smoother, rotation becomes easier, and compensations that lead to discomfort are less likely. Many players notice improved range of motion and better skating mechanics after addressing areas of stiffness.
Chiropractic care also supports quicker recovery between games by easing joint restrictions and calming tense areas. This can be especially helpful during busy stretches of the schedule. With healthier movement patterns, you may experience better balance, steadier edges, and greater confidence on the ice.
How Massage Therapy Supports Hockey Performance
Massage therapy complements chiropractic care by targeting tight and overworked muscles. Skating commonly strains the hip flexors, quads, glutes, and lower-back muscles, which can influence posture and power. Massage helps ease tension, reduce soreness, and support circulation after practices and games. When muscles relax, chiropractic adjustments may also hold more effectively, creating a powerful combination for players.
How Kinesiology Complements Chiropractic Care
Kinesiology adds a movement-focused layer of support to help hockey players build strength and stability. A kinesiologist can assess skating mechanics, balance, and overall movement patterns to pinpoint areas that need reinforcement. They guide you in building strength in the core, hips, glutes, hamstrings, and shoulder stabilizers so each stride feels more controlled.
This type of training also improves balance and coordination, helping you stay steady on your edges and respond quickly to changes in play. During recovery from injury, kinesiology helps restore proper movement so you can return to the ice feeling ready.
Where to Play and Watch Hockey Locally
The region offers plenty of opportunities to play or cheer on local teams. The Victoria Grizzlies bring fast-paced BCHL action and strong community support. The Peninsula Panthers provide competitive Junior B play and player development. The Victoria Minor Hockey Association continues to offer programs for young athletes of all skill levels. Adult recreational leagues also provide great options for players who enjoy staying active or getting back into the sport.
No matter where you skate or who you cheer for, taking care of your body helps you enjoy the season from start to finish.
Prepare, Recover, and Perform Your Best This Hockey Season
With Dr. Sandhu’s firsthand experience as a lifelong hockey player and the combined benefits of chiropractic care, massage therapy, and kinesiology, you can move with more comfort and confidence all season long. If you want help preparing for the season or staying strong through it, our team is here to support you. Give our practice a call today to book an appointment!
Start Your Hockey Prep
START YOUR HOCKEY PREP
Bonus: Hockey Season Prep Checklist (PDF Download)
- Warm up with five to ten minutes of dynamic movement before skating.
- Incorporate core strengthening exercises such as planks and dead bugs.
- Build hip and glute strength with squats, lunges, and lateral band walks.
- Improve balance with single-leg exercises or wobble board drills.
- Stretch hip flexors, quads, glutes, and the thoracic spine regularly.
- Book a chiropractic check-in to support healthy joint motion.
- Schedule massage therapy to ease muscle tension and support recovery.
- Use kinesiology exercises to reinforce healthy movement patterns.
- Check skate fit, blade condition, and protective gear before the season starts.
- Hydrate well and fuel properly before and after practices and games.