Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in North America, combining the physical demands of hockey, soccer, and basketball. The sport's unique blend of running, cutting, contact, and overhead throwing creates diverse injury patterns. At M.O. Therapy in Markham, we help lacrosse players at all levels prevent and recover from injuries.

Understanding Lacrosse Injury Patterns

Lacrosse injury statistics reveal important patterns:

Men's lacrosse has higher contact injury rates than women's
Ankle sprains are the most common lower extremity injury
Shoulder injuries are prevalent in both sexes
Concussion rates are significant, especially in men's lacrosse
ACL injuries are more common in women's lacrosse
Overuse injuries affect goalies and offensive players differently

Understanding these patterns helps players focus prevention efforts appropriately.

Common Lacrosse Injuries

Shoulder Injuries

The overhead throwing motion and physical contact make the shoulder vulnerable in lacrosse.

Rotator Cuff Problems:

Result from repetitive throwing and checking
Causes pain with shooting and passing
May progress from tendinopathy to tears
Requires rest and rehabilitation

AC Joint Injuries:

Common from contact and falls
Range from sprains to separations
Pain at top of shoulder
May require time off from contact

Labral Tears:

Can result from contact or throwing
Causes clicking, catching, or instability
May require surgical repair
Extended recovery timeline

Shoulder Instability:

Can develop from repeated trauma
Affects throwing accuracy and power
Requires comprehensive strengthening
May need surgical stabilization

Knee Injuries

The cutting, pivoting, and contact in lacrosse stress the knee significantly.

ACL Injuries:

More common in women's lacrosse (4-6 times higher)
Usually non-contact mechanism
Occurs during cutting or landing
Typically requires surgical reconstruction

MCL Injuries:

Often from contact to outside of knee
Usually heals without surgery
Requires bracing and rehabilitation
2-8 week recovery depending on severity

Meniscus Tears:

Result from twisting or contact
May cause locking or catching
Treatment depends on location and severity
May need surgical repair

Patellofemoral Pain:

Common with high running and cutting volume
Pain around or behind kneecap
Responds to strengthening and load management
May be chronic without proper treatment

Ankle Injuries

Ankle Sprains:

Most common lower extremity injury
Usually lateral (inversion) sprains
Occur during cutting and contact
High recurrence rate without proper rehabilitation

High Ankle Sprains:

Less common but more severe
Longer recovery than lateral sprains
May affect pushing off and cutting
Requires careful rehabilitation

Concussions

Concussions are a significant concern in lacrosse, particularly men's field lacrosse.

Risk Factors:

Body and stick contact
Falls
Ball impact (less common)
Previous concussion history

Recognition:

Headache or pressure
Confusion or disorientation
Balance problems
Nausea or vomiting
Vision changes
Sensitivity to light or noise

Management:

Immediate removal from play
Medical evaluation
Cognitive and physical rest
Gradual return-to-play protocol
Full medical clearance before contact

Wrist and Hand Injuries

Wrist Sprains and Fractures:

From stick checks and falls
Scaphoid fractures require careful evaluation
May need casting or surgery

Finger Injuries:

Common from stick contact
Sprains, dislocations, and fractures
Buddy taping for return to play
May need medical evaluation

Back Injuries

Muscle Strains:

From running, cutting, and shooting
Common in midfielders with high running volume
Responds to rest and rehabilitation

Disc Problems:

Less common but more serious
May result from repetitive loading
Requires comprehensive treatment

Position-Specific Injuries

Attackers

Shoulder injuries (shooting)
Hand/wrist injuries (stick checks)
Concussions (physical play around goal)

Midfielders

Running-related injuries (high volume)
Knee injuries (cutting)
Conditioning-related overuse

Defenders

Contact injuries (checking)
Shoulder injuries
Concussions
Lower back strain

Goalies

Hip injuries (repetitive saves)
Groin strains
Impact contusions
Shoulder strain from clearing

Prevention Strategies

Strength and Conditioning

Essential Strength Work:

Lower Body:

Squats and deadlifts
Single-leg exercises
Lateral movements
Plyometrics

Upper Body:

Rotator cuff strengthening
Scapular stability exercises
Core anti-rotation work
Pulling and pushing balance

Core:

Plank variations
Pallof press
Medicine ball rotational work
Anti-extension exercises

Injury Prevention Programs

ACL Prevention:

Neuromuscular training
Landing mechanics
Cutting technique
Hip and core strengthening

Shoulder Protection:

Rotator cuff exercises
Scapular stability work
Proper throwing mechanics
Rest between games

Proper Equipment

Essential Gear:

Properly fitted helmet (men's)
Shoulder pads appropriate for position
Arm guards and gloves
Mouthguard
Appropriate cleats for surface

Women's Lacrosse:

Eye protection (required)
Mouthguard
Consider optional padding

Warm-Up Protocol

Dynamic Warm-Up (15 minutes):

Light jogging (2-3 minutes)
High knees and butt kicks
Lateral shuffles and carioca
Leg swings
Arm circles and shoulder prep
Lacrosse-specific movements
Progressive stick work

Treatment at M.O. Therapy

Physiotherapy

Our physiotherapists specialize in lacrosse injuries:

Assessment:

Sport-specific movement screening
Injury evaluation
Return-to-play testing
Performance optimization

Treatment:

Manual therapy
Exercise prescription
Dry needling
Sport-specific rehabilitation

Massage Therapy

Our RMTs help lacrosse players:

Recovery after games and practices
Deep tissue work for chronic issues
In-season maintenance
Pre-game preparation

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic benefits lacrosse players through:

Spinal and joint assessment
Mobility optimization
Soft tissue treatment
Performance enhancement

Return-to-Play Guidelines

After Acute Injury

Phase 1: Recovery

Pain and swelling management
Protected healing
Maintain fitness with modifications

Phase 2: Rehabilitation

Restore range of motion
Progressive strengthening
Sport-specific movement

Phase 3: Return to Practice

Non-contact drills first
Progressive contact exposure
Full practice participation

Phase 4: Return to Games

Limited minutes initially
Full clearance
Ongoing maintenance

After Concussion

Stepwise Return Protocol:

Complete rest until symptoms resolve
Light aerobic activity
Sport-specific exercise (no contact)
Non-contact training drills
Full contact practice
Return to competition

Each stage must be symptom-free before progressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent ACL injuries in lacrosse? ACL prevention involves neuromuscular training programs, proper landing and cutting mechanics, hip and core strengthening, and adequate rest and recovery. Women players should be particularly diligent about prevention.

When can I return to lacrosse after a concussion? Return timing varies by individual. You must be completely symptom-free before beginning a graduated return-to-play protocol. This typically takes at least 1-2 weeks, but more severe concussions require longer recovery.

Should I tape my ankles for lacrosse? If you've had a previous ankle sprain, ankle taping or bracing is recommended. Even without prior injury, support can help prevent sprains during the cutting and contact demands of lacrosse.

How do I prevent shoulder injuries from throwing? Prevention includes rotator cuff and scapular strengthening exercises, proper throwing mechanics, adequate rest between games, and addressing any mobility deficits early.

Book Your Assessment

If you're dealing with a lacrosse injury or want to develop a prevention program, M.O. Therapy in Markham can help. Our team understands the demands of lacrosse and provides specialized care.

Call (905) 201-5827 or book online for your assessment. We offer direct billing and same-day appointments.

Lacrosse Injuries: Contact Sport Recovery