Sports Injuries Explained: Causes, Prevention, and Recovery
Playing sports is one of the best ways to stay active, healthy, and mentally sharp. But even the most experienced athletes deal with injuries from time to time. Overuse, poor movement mechanics, and lack of recovery can all lead to pain or loss of mobility.
At Flax Sports and Repetitive Stress Injury Clinic in Midtown Toronto, we work with athletes of all levels, from casual runners to competitive hockey players. Understanding which injuries are common in each sport can help you train smarter, prevent future pain, and recover more effectively when injuries happen.
Here are some of the most popular sports and the injuries most often seen with each, along with how movement-based treatment can help you stay strong and healthy.
1. Running
Common injuries: Runner’s knee, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis
Running places repetitive stress on your joints, muscles, and tendons. Overuse, poor footwear, and muscle imbalances can lead to chronic pain in the knees, feet, or lower legs.
Treatment and prevention: At our clinic, we use manual therapy, stretching programs, and custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce stress on the body. Strengthening the hips is also key to preventing recurring injuries.
2. Hockey
Common injuries: Groin strain, shoulder sprain, lower back pain, neck stiffness
Hockey combines high speed, contact, and rapid direction changes, which puts significant strain on the hips, back, and shoulders.
Treatment and prevention:
Laser therapy, soft tissue release, and movement-based rehab help restore balance and improve joint mobility. Incorporating regular off-ice stretching and core training also reduces muscle tension and injury risk.
3. Golf
Common injuries: Golfer’s elbow, wrist strain, lower back pain, shoulder rotation injuries
Golf may look low-impact, but the repetitive swing motion creates uneven stress across the spine, shoulders, and forearms. Poor technique or flexibility often worsens these issues.
Treatment and prevention:
Manual therapy, interferential current, and mobility exercises improve flexibility and reduce joint irritation. Correcting posture and movement patterns helps prevent chronic strain.
4. Tennis and Other Racquet Sports
Common injuries: Tennis elbow, wrist tendonitis, rotator cuff strain, shoulder impingement, lower back tension
Racquet sports like tennis, pickleball, squash, badminton, and racquetball are excellent for building coordination and cardiovascular fitness. However, their fast, repetitive swings can strain the elbow, wrist, shoulder, and spine. Imbalances between dominant and non-dominant sides are also common.
Treatment and prevention:
We recommend manual therapy, medical acupuncture, and targeted strengthening programs to relieve pain, restore mobility, and correct movement patterns. We also teach proper warm-up routines and recovery strategies to prevent recurring racquet sport injuries.
5. Basketball
Common injuries: Ankle sprains, knee pain, shoulder strain, lower back tightness
Jumping, pivoting, and rapid direction changes make basketball one of the most common sports for lower limb injuries. Repeated landings can also put extra stress on the knees and spine.
Treatment and prevention:
Manual therapy and movement retraining help restore range of motion and prevent stiffness. Strengthening the hips, knees, and ankles supports better performance and reduces the chance of re-injury.
6. Cycling
Common injuries: Knee pain, hip tightness, neck and shoulder discomfort
Spending long hours in one position can lead to muscle imbalance and joint strain. Poor bike fit or posture often makes these problems worse.
Treatment and prevention:
Stretching programs, manual therapy, and custom orthotics help improve posture and relieve joint tension. Proper bike setup and regular mobility exercises are also essential for injury prevention.
7. Weight Training and CrossFit
Common injuries: Shoulder impingement, lower back strain, muscle tears
Heavy lifting and high-intensity workouts can cause strain when form breaks down or when recovery is neglected.
Treatment and prevention:
Soft tissue therapy, stretching programs, and corrective exercise restore mobility and stability. Gradual progressions and proper warm-ups are key for preventing injury.
Preventing Sports Injuries Before They Happen
Most sports injuries develop over time from repetitive stress, muscle imbalance, or restricted movement. A full-body, movement-based approach helps identify and correct these issues early. This approach improves coordination, strength, and flexibility so you can perform your best and stay pain-free.
At Flax Sports and Repetitive Stress Injury Clinic, we help athletes recover from injury, improve mobility, and prevent future pain through personalized, movement-focused care.
If you are dealing with a sports injury or want to prevent one, contact us to schedule your assessment and take the next step toward moving better, feeling stronger, and staying active.
