The Most Common Hockey Injuries – and How a Sports Doctor Can Help You Return to the Field Safely

Field hockey is a fast-paced, high-intensity sport that demands speed, agility, and strength. With that level of physical engagement, injuries—whether from contact, overuse, or accidents—are common. At Joondalup Sports Medicine, we understand how important it is to return to the game safely and swiftly, without risking long-term damage.

Led by Dr Chris Barr, our team is equipped with the expertise to guide hockey players through recovery and back into peak performance.

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Common Injuries in Hockey Players

Whether you’re an elite athlete or play socially on the weekend, hockey carries a risk of both acute and chronic injuries. The most frequently seen injuries include:

🦵 Ankle Sprains

Quick directional changes and uneven turf can lead to rolled ankles, often causing ligament damage that, if left untreated, can impact long-term stability and performance.

🦴 Knee Injuries (including ACL tears and patellofemoral pain)

Due to the repetitive twisting and pivoting, knee injuries are unfortunately common. These can range from general anterior knee pain to serious ligament injuries like ACL tears.

💥 Concussions

Although field hockey is non-contact by design, accidental head clashes or being hit by the ball or stick can result in concussions. It’s essential to recognise the symptoms early and manage recovery properly.

💪 Muscle Strains

Hamstring, groin, and quadriceps strains often occur due to sudden accelerations or decelerations. Without appropriate treatment, these injuries tend to recur.

💻 Overuse Injuries

Long training sessions and a busy game calendar can lead to overuse injuries such as tendinopathies or stress fractures—especially in younger players.

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How a Sports Doctor Can Help You Recover and Return

A sports medicine physician plays a pivotal role in not only diagnosing and treating hockey injuries but also developing a comprehensive return-to-play plan that ensures long-term success.

At Joondalup Sports Medicine, we offer:

✅ Expert Diagnosis and Imaging Referrals
Accurate diagnosis is crucial. We coordinate imaging (e.g., MRI, ultrasound) and functional assessments to understand the full extent of your injury.

✅ Evidence-Based Management
We provide a personalised treatment plan using the latest clinical guidelines, including rest and rehabilitation protocols, load management, and, where needed, joint injections or other advanced therapies.

✅ Return-to-Sport Programming
A safe return doesn’t stop at pain-free movement. We assess strength, range of motion, and sport-specific skills to ensure you're fully prepared to play—reducing the risk of re-injury.

✅ Collaboration with Allied Health Professionals
We work closely with physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and strength coaches to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to your recovery.

Why Choose Dr Chris Barr?

Dr Chris Barr brings over 20 years of clinical experience in musculoskeletal and sports medicine. His background includes working with elite athletes and managing complex sporting injuries at all levels of competition.

As the Director of Joondalup Sports Medicine, Dr Barr’s hands-on knowledge of sporting biomechanics, injury prevention, and performance optimisation is instrumental in helping hockey players recover quickly and return to competition confidently.

Whether it’s your first ankle sprain or a more complex knee injury, you’re in safe hands with Dr Barr and the multidisciplinary team at Joondalup Sports Medicine.

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Back on the Turf, Stronger Than Ever

If you’ve been sidelined by an injury, don’t delay your recovery. The sooner you consult with a sports doctor, the better your outcomes. With the right guidance, treatment, and support, you can get back to doing what you love—stronger, smarter, and more resilient.

📍 Book an appointment with Dr Chris Barr and the team today at Joondalup Sports Medicine, and take the first step towards a safer, faster return to the game.