By: Anthony Celio, PT, DPT, and Lindsay Wilcox, PT, DPT, OCS
Lacrosse is an incredibly fast-paced game that requires each player to be ready to react to the ball, the stick, or another player at a moment’s notice. Changing direction to sprint, passing the ball in a bent or an extended position, or being hit unexpectedly can result in injury.
Running in Lacrosse
When the players run, they will typically keep both hands on the stick- especially if they have the ball in order to maintain contact with the ball and protect it from the defender. Athletes can run into problems with this if they don’t have proper mobility and stability of spine and shoulders. There are also times that while running the player will need to cradle the stick in one hand. They will also hold the stick as far away from a defender as possible while running. All of these techniques for holding the stick can impact running mechanics.
Shooting and Passing in Lacrosse
Shooting and passing, on the other hand, are whole-body movements. Players will hop-step to get their feet in place. The power from the shot moves from the hips, translates to the core, through the mid-back rotation, and finally to the push from the top hand and pull from the bottom hand. This is important to get a quickshot off and catch the goalie off-guard or for more powerful and long passes down the field for a fast break.
Common Injuries
Contact Injuries
There are a lot of contact injuries- such as muscle contusions- simply due to the lack of padding in this sport. Players may come in contact with other players, the ball, or the stick which can result in injury.
Hamstring Strains
Hamstring strains are also quite common because the sport requires players to react to plays and sprint from a stand at a moment’s notice. This sudden acceleration from a cold start can result in a hamstring strain.
Knee Injuries
The knees can be injured during lacrosse in any manner of ways. Similar to hamstrings, accelerating too quickly while cold may bother them. Decelerating- or stopping running- abruptly can cause injury as well. Also, simply being hit the wrong way can impact your knees.
Ankle Sprains
Lacrosse players are constantly dodging their defenders to move past them and get to the goal. Ankle sprains can occur if your joints aren’t prepared for the sudden change in direction.
Hip Flexor Injuries
Hip flexors generate power and leg drive with sprinting. Like in most sports hip flexor strains can occur if there is not adequate mobility and strength.
Concussions
Concussions are extremely common in lacrosse- and for the same reason as contact injuries. Players can be hit in the heat of the game. While concussions often do not have an external bruise, they need to be taken seriously. Players should be screened for a concussion if one is suspected.
Physical Therapy for Lacrosse Players
Spooner physical therapists are movement experts who understand your sport and want to help you either stay on the field or get back on the field as soon as possible- depending on the severity of your injury. Our team also helps prehab athletes to mitigate the likelihood of injury. We provide movement screens to athletes and teams to identify your individual strengths and weaknesses. With this information, we can give you guidance on how to move better, feel better, and perform better.
Stay tuned for a lacrosse-specific warm-up to help mitigate the risk of injury on the field in an upcoming Spooner blog, “Lacrosse Warm-Up.”
Schedule an appointment with a Spooner therapist today!