Lacrosse season in Midland means fast breaks, quick cuts, and high-intensity play—but it also comes with a higher risk of injury. Whether you’re a student-athlete, weekend warrior, or competitive player, the physical demands of lacrosse can take a toll on your body if not properly managed.
At Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics, we work with lacrosse athletes every season to not only recover from injuries—but to come back stronger, more mobile, and more resilient.
Why Lacrosse Players Are Prone to Injury
Lacrosse is unique because it combines:
- Explosive sprinting
- Rapid changes in direction
- Physical contact (especially in men’s play)
- Repetitive overhead movements
This creates stress on multiple areas of the body at once.
The biggest issue we see?
Most injuries aren’t just “bad luck”—they’re often caused by:
- Poor mobility
- Muscle imbalances
- Lack of proper recovery
- Previous injuries that were never fully rehabbed
That’s where our team comes in—we don’t just treat symptoms, we identify and correct the root cause.
Most Common Lacrosse Injuries We Treat at Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics
1. Knee Injuries (ACL Tears, MCL Sprains, General Knee Pain)
Knee injuries are one of the most serious and common issues in lacrosse.
How they happen:
- Sudden cutting or pivoting
- Planting awkwardly on turf or grass
- Contact during play
What we typically see:
- ACL strains or tears
- MCL sprains
- Patellar tracking issues
- General knee instability or pain
How we help:
- Targeted strength training for quads, hamstrings, and glutes
- Movement retraining to fix faulty mechanics
- Step-by-step return-to-sport programs
- Hands-on therapy to reduce pain and inflammation
Our goal: Get you back on the field safely—without risking re-injury
2. Ankle Sprains & Instability
Ankle injuries are extremely common due to the constant cutting, dodging, and uneven playing surfaces.
Common symptoms:
- Swelling and stiffness
- Pain when planting or pushing off
- Repeated “rolling” of the ankle
Why this matters:
If not treated properly, ankle sprains can turn into chronic instability, leading to ongoing issues.
How we help:
- Balance and proprioception training (to prevent future sprains)
- Manual therapy to restore full mobility
- Assisted stretching sessions to improve flexibility and recovery
- Strength work for ankle and lower leg stability
3. Hamstring & Groin Strains
These are classic speed-related injuries in lacrosse athletes.
How they happen:
- Sprinting at full speed
- Sudden acceleration or deceleration
- Overuse without proper recovery
What we often find:
- Tight hamstrings limiting performance
- Weak glutes causing compensation
- Poor hip mobility increasing strain risk
How we help:
- Soft tissue treatments like dry needling and manual therapy
- Mobility-focused programs to open up hips
- Strength training to correct imbalances
- Recovery strategies to keep you performing at a high level
4. Shoulder & Upper Body Injuries
Lacrosse isn’t just lower body—your upper body takes a beating too.
Common issues:
- Shoulder impingement
- Labral irritation
- AC joint sprains
- Muscle tightness from repetitive shooting and passing
Why it happens:
- Repetitive overhead motion
- Contact and stick checks
- Poor posture or mobility
How we help:
- Shoulder stability and strengthening programs
- Postural correction work
- Hands-on therapy to reduce tension and restore motion
- Sport-specific rehab to get your shot back to 100%
5. Concussions & Head Injuries
While less frequent, concussions are still a serious concern in lacrosse.
What we focus on:
- Safe, guided return-to-play protocols
- Monitoring symptoms and progression
- Coordination and balance work as needed
How Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics Helps Lacrosse Athletes Perform Better (Not Just Heal)
At Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics, we take a full-body, performance-based approach.
We don’t just ask:
“Where does it hurt?”
We ask:
“Why is this happening in the first place?”
Our Key Services for Lacrosse Players
- Injury recovery
- Movement correction
- Strength + stability building
- Improve flexibility and range of motion
- Reduce muscle tightness
- Help prevent injuries before they happen
- Release tight muscles
- Improve blood flow
- Speed up recovery time
- Improve joint alignment
- Enhance mobility
- Support overall performance
- Build explosive power
- Improve agility and cutting mechanics
- Reduce injury risk long-term
Injury Prevention Tips for Lacrosse Players
Want to stay on the field this season? Start here:
- Warm up dynamically before every practice/game
- Prioritize hip, ankle, and thoracic mobility
- Strengthen your glutes and core
- Don’t ignore small aches and pains early
- Stay consistent with recovery (stretching, hydration, sleep)
The athletes who stay healthy are the ones who treat recovery like training.
Don’t Wait Until You’re Sidelined
If you’re dealing with pain, tightness, or a recent injury, now is the time to take care of it.
At Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics, we help lacrosse athletes:
- Recover faster
- Move better
- Perform at a higher level
Whether you’re in-season or preparing for the next level, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Book your appointment today at Midland Sports Rehab or Active Orthopedics
📞 Call 989.341.1070 to schedule
📍 Midland Sports Rehab
4710 Eastman Avenue, Midland, MI 48640
📍Active Orthopedics
317 E Wackerly St, Midland, MI 48642