Female hockey player surrounded by anatomical diagrams highlighting common injury zones.

Hockey Hurts: Uncover Hidden Injury Risks & How to Play Pain-Free

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exclusive report: South African study reveals surprising musculoskeletal pain prevalence in female hockey players. Find out how to protect yourself."

Field hockey, a dynamic team sport known for its exhilarating sprints and strategic plays, also carries a significant risk of injury. Players constantly navigate quick changes in direction and physical contests, increasing their chances of musculoskeletal pain. Understanding these risks is crucial for players of all levels to stay healthy and perform their best.

While hockey's fast-paced nature and physical demands are well-known, the specific injury patterns affecting female athletes have remained less explored. A recent study focusing on South African female senior national hockey players sheds light on the prevalence and nature of musculoskeletal pain in this group.

This article dives into the findings of this important research, revealing the most common injury locations, the primary causes of pain, and practical steps you can take to prevent injuries and keep yourself in peak condition. Whether you're a seasoned player, a rising star, or simply a fan of the sport, this information is vital for promoting player safety and extending careers.

Hockey's Hidden Pain Points: Where Injuries Strike Most

Female hockey player surrounded by anatomical diagrams highlighting common injury zones.

The study revealed a surprisingly high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among the South African female hockey team. A significant 93.33% of the players reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain within the past 12 months. This highlights the intense physical strain that hockey places on the body, even at the elite level.

The research pinpointed specific anatomical sites that were most vulnerable to pain. The ankle emerged as the leading problem area, with 24.14% of players reporting issues. Close behind were the lower back and hip, affecting 22.41% of the players. Other common injury locations included the lower leg (13.79%), knee (12.07%), and thigh (10.34%).

Ankle: 24.14%
Lower Back & Hip: 22.41%
Lower Leg: 13.79%
Knee: 12.07%
Thigh: 10.34%

These findings underscore the importance of targeted injury prevention strategies. Strengthening exercises, proper warm-up routines, and appropriate protective gear can all play a vital role in minimizing the risk of pain and injury in these vulnerable areas. Addressing these common pain points can help players stay on the field and perform at their best.

Take Control: Your Game Plan for a Pain-Free Hockey Experience

The South African study provides valuable insights into the world of hockey injuries, highlighting the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, especially in the ankles, lower back, and hips. By understanding the risks and adopting proactive prevention strategies, players can significantly reduce their chances of injury and extend their time on the ice. Remember, prioritizing your health is the key to a long and successful hockey career.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2478/rehab-2013-0007, Alternate LINK

Title: Prevalence Of Musculoskeletal Pain Among The South Afican Female Senior National Hockey Players / Występowanie Bólów Mięśniowo Szkieletowych Wśród Zawodniczek Narodowej Drużyny Rpa W Hokeju Na Trawie

Subject: Rehabilitation

Journal: Advances in Rehabilitation

Publisher: Termedia Sp. z.o.o.

Authors: Terry Jeremy Ellapen, Sumaya Abrahams, Farzanah A. Desai, Senthil Narsigan, Hendrick Johan Van Heerden

Published: 2011-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is musculoskeletal pain, and why is it something to worry about in hockey?

Musculoskeletal pain refers to discomfort or pain affecting the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. It is significant in hockey because a high percentage of players, as shown in a South African study, experience it. This pain can impact performance and potentially lead to long-term injuries, highlighting the need for preventative measures. Ignoring musculoskeletal pain can lead to chronic conditions, impacting an athlete's career longevity.

Where do female hockey players typically experience pain?

The most common areas for musculoskeletal pain in female hockey players, according to the South African study, are the ankle (24.14%), lower back and hip (22.41%), lower leg (13.79%), knee (12.07%), and thigh (10.34%). These areas are vulnerable due to the sport's demands, such as quick direction changes, physical contact, and repetitive movements. Protective gear, strengthening exercises and warm-up routines become very important.

What can I do to lower my chances of getting hurt and experiencing pain while playing hockey?

You can reduce your risk of musculoskeletal pain by focusing on targeted injury prevention strategies. This includes incorporating strengthening exercises to build muscle support around vulnerable joints, adhering to proper warm-up routines before practices and games to increase flexibility and blood flow, and utilizing appropriate protective gear to minimize impact and strain. Addressing these areas proactively can significantly reduce the likelihood of injury.

What does it mean when a study finds that most female hockey players have experienced musculoskeletal pain?

The high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, with 93.33% of players reporting it within a year in the South African study, indicates the intense physical demands of hockey. This high percentage underscores that even elite athletes are susceptible to these issues, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring, proactive injury prevention, and tailored training programs. The study's findings are a clear call to action for teams and players to prioritize player health.

Besides the pain issues, what other kinds of injuries are common in hockey?

While the study focused on musculoskeletal pain, other common hockey injuries include concussions, sprains, strains, and fractures. Concussions, in particular, are a concern due to the risk of long-term neurological issues. The absence of concussion data in the study does not diminish its significance but highlights an area where further research and preventative measures are needed in conjunction with addressing musculoskeletal issues for comprehensive player safety.