The first cold snap in Sherwood Park means rinks are filling up and ski bags are coming out of storage. After months away, it is tempting to jump straight back in at full speed, but your body may not be ready. A pre-season screening with a sports chiropractor serving Edmonton and Sherwood Park, or a sports physiotherapist, can help you spot small problems before they become bigger ones. Here are five signs it is worth booking a check-up first.
Why a Pre-Season Screening Matters for Hockey and Ski Season
Quick stops and crossovers load the hips, groin and lower back, while skiing calls for strong knees and steady balance. After an off-season of moving less, your strength and mobility may have quietly changed. A screening looks at how you move, not just where it hurts, making it a practical part of hockey injury prevention.
5 Signs Your Body Needs a Check-Up First
1. Pain Lingering From Last Season
An ankle sprain or tight groin that never fully settled is easy to ignore until your first hard stride. Injuries that were not fully rehabilitated are a common reason people get hurt again. Our physiotherapy team offers sports rehabilitation and return-to-sport programs designed to help you get back to activity safely.
2. Your Back Aches After Skating or Skiing
If you have ever wondered why your back hurts after playing hockey, the bent-forward skating posture is often part of the answer. Combined with tight hips and a tired core, it can strain the lower back. A sports chiropractor can assess your spine and hip mobility and use hands-on care and exercise to help reduce that strain.
3. Stiffness That Takes Days to Ease
Some soreness after a skate is normal. Stiffness that lasts three or four days can be a sign your muscles and joints need more support. Sports massage can help prepare tissues for activity and support recovery between games.
4. One Side Feels Weaker or Tighter
Hockey players shoot from one side and skiers often favour a stronger leg. Over time, this can lead to muscle imbalances, like a hip that will not rotate or a knee that drifts inward. Movement screening can help identify these patterns before they become overuse injuries.
5. Your Balance or Knees Feel Unsteady
Wobbly landings or knees that feel loose are worth paying attention to. Balance and knee control play a big role in reducing the risk of falls and ligament injuries, and targeted strengthening can help you feel more confident on the hill.
How Sports Chiropractic and Sports Physiotherapy Work Together
At Tailor Made Wellness, your check-up starts with a thorough assessment. Your plan may then include chiropractic care with techniques such as Active Release Technique, FAKTR and K-Tape, sports physiotherapy in Sherwood Park with sport-specific exercise, and sports massage therapy to support recovery. Dr. Shawn King holds a Master’s in Sports Medicine and has worked alongside high-level athletes and sports teams. With our practitioners under one roof, your care is coordinated. Learn more in our post on chiropractic care for athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Season Screening
Why does my back hurt after playing hockey?
Hockey keeps you in a crouched, forward-leaning posture while your hips and core stabilize every stride. Tight hip flexors, limited hip rotation and core fatigue can all contribute to lower back pain. A chiropractor or physiotherapist can assess what is driving your discomfort and recommend care to help address it.
What happens during a pre-season screening?
A screening typically reviews your injury history, mobility, strength, balance and sport-specific movement. Your practitioner will explain what they found and recommend next steps, which may include treatment, a home exercise program or a green light to play. Learn more about our sports physiotherapy services.
Should I see a sports chiropractor or a sports physiotherapist?
Both can help with sports injuries, and many people benefit from a combination. At our clinic, chiropractors and physiotherapists collaborate, so you can start with either and be guided to the right fit.
How do I choose a sports chiropractor near Sherwood Park and Edmonton?
Look for sports-specific training, experience with athletes and access to coordinated care such as physiotherapy and massage therapy. You can contact our team to find the practitioner best suited to your sport and goals.
Do I need a referral for a sports injury assessment?
No referral is required for most services at Tailor Made Wellness. Direct billing is available to many extended health providers.
Start the Season Feeling Strong
A little attention now can help you enjoy more time on the ice and slopes this winter. If any of these signs sound familiar, a pre-season check-up can help you understand what your body needs.
Ready to Get Back in the Game?
Our Sherwood Park team can help you explore how sports chiropractic, physiotherapy and massage therapy work together to support your season. We are open six days a week with online booking and direct billing.
