If you’re an ice hockey player, you already know the deal—it’s one of the toughest, most physically demanding sports out there. From high-speed collisions and brutal checks to the constant strain on your shoulders, groin, and knees, injuries are just part of the game.
But missing games? That’s not part of the plan.
If you’re looking for a faster, smarter way to recover from injuries, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) might be the you need. This non-invasive, drug-free treatment helps hockey players reduce inflammation from concussions, heal soft tissue injuries, and recover from bruises faster—getting them back on the ice without relying on painkillers.
Let’s take a deeper look at how laser therapy can help ice hockey players heal faster and stay in peak condition.
How Laser Therapy Helps Ice Hockey Players Recover Faster
Between the constant impact, high-speed crashes, and repetitive muscle strain, hockey players take a beating every game. While ice baths, stretching, and massage therapy are great, LLLT offers a deeper level of healing by repairing tissues at the cellular level.
Here’s how low-level laser therapy can help:
- Reduces Inflammation from Concussions & Head Trauma
Concussions are a huge issue in hockey. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with one, frequent hits to the head can cause lingering headaches, dizziness, and brain fog.
LLLT reduces neuroinflammation by stimulating cellular repair in the brain, potentially helping players recover faster from head trauma and minimizing symptoms like headaches, memory issues, and light sensitivity.
- Speeds Up Healing of Bruises & Swelling
Hockey players wear bruises like battle scars, but no one wants to be covered in black and blue for weeks.
Laser therapy improves circulation, allowing your body to break down bruised blood and swollen tissues faster—which means less pain, faster healing, and quicker return to full contact.
- Treats Groin & Hamstring Injuries
Explosive skating movements put tons of strain on the groin, hip flexors, and hamstrings. If you’ve ever suffered from a groin pull or hamstring strain, you know how painful and frustrating the recovery process can be.
LLLT boosts ATP (cellular energy) production, helping muscles repair faster and reducing tightness, so you can get back to full stride without re-injuring yourself.
- Relieves Shoulder & Upper Body Pain
Slapshots, cross-checks, and hard falls onto the ice put immense strain on the shoulders, collarbones, and ribs. Whether it’s a rotator cuff strain, AC joint sprain, or just general shoulder tightness, laser therapy can help:
- Increases blood flow to the injured area
- Reduces inflammation and stiffness
- Helps repair damaged soft tissue and tendons
If shoulder pain is limiting your shot power or checking ability, LLLT can help restore mobility and reduce pain—so you can play at full strength.
- Safe & Drug-Free – No Side Effects
Unlike painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or cortisone injections, laser therapy helps your body heal naturally without side effects.
No drowsiness, no masking the pain—just real recovery at the cellular level.
The Science Behind It: What Research Says
Wondering if laser therapy is actually backed by science? A study published in Frontiers in Neurology (PMC ID: 5180077) explored the effects of LLLT on concussion recovery and neuroinflammation.
Here’s what the study found:
- LLLT significantly reduced inflammation in brain tissues, potentially aiding in concussion recovery.
- The therapy improved blood flow and oxygenation in affected areas, which helps repair damaged brain cells.
- Players who received LLLT experienced faster symptom relief from headaches, dizziness, and cognitive fog compared to those who didn’t.
This study highlights why LLLT is gaining popularity among hockey players—not just for joint and muscle recovery, but also as a potential neuroprotective therapy for head injuries.
How Stefan J Found Pain Relief
Still not convinced? Here’s what Stefan J. had to say about using laser therapy for pain relief:
“I bought this laser to treat my horse’s sore back; two weeks of treatment relieved his pain. I then tried it on my own sore neck, which gave me frequent headaches—I no longer have a sore neck, and no more headaches.”
If laser therapy can help both animals and humans recover from pain, imagine how much it could help a high-impact athlete like a hockey player.
Best Laser Therapy Devices for Hockey Players
If you’re serious about healing faster and playing stronger, here are the top laser therapy devices to consider:
1. Handy Cure Laser
- Best for: Concussions, deep tissue healing, joint pain, and inflammation.
- Why hockey players love it: The Handy Cure Laser offers deep penetration, making it great for treating bruises, muscle strains, and head trauma symptoms.
- Where to get it: Handy Cure Laser
2. IASO Ultra Cold Laser
- Best for: Quick, on-the-go relief for bruises, minor sprains, and sore shoulders.
- Why hockey players love it: Small, portable, and perfect for keeping in a hockey bag for post-game recovery.
- Where to get it: IASO Ultra Cold Laser
FAQs About Laser Therapy for Hockey Players
1. Can laser therapy help prevent concussions?
No—LLLT can’t prevent concussions, but it may help reduce inflammation and aid in concussion recovery.
2. How long does it take to see results?
Many players feel pain relief within the first few sessions, while deeper tissue healing can take a few weeks.
3. Is laser therapy safe?
Yes! LLLT is non-invasive, drug-free, and has no known side effects, making it a great option for athletes who want to avoid pain medications.
4. How often should I use laser therapy?
For acute injuries, use it daily for the first week. For maintenance and chronic pain, 3-4 times per week is usually effective.
5. Can laser therapy be used alongside other treatments?
Absolutely! Many athletes combine LLLT with massage therapy, stretching, and ice baths for a well-rounded recovery plan.
Final Thoughts: Is Laser Therapy Worth It for Hockey Players?
Hockey is a grueling sport, and injuries are part of the deal. But staying injured doesn’t have to be.
If you’re looking for a faster, smarter way to recover from concussions, soft tissue injuries, and joint pain, low-level laser therapy is absolutely worth considering.
With science-backed benefits like reduced swelling, faster tissue repair, and natural pain relief, LLLT is an essential recovery tool for any serious hockey player.
Why stay on the bench longer than you have to? Check out the Handy Cure Laser or IASO Ultra Cold Laser and start playing harder, faster, and with less downtime.
TL;DR: Why Laser Therapy for Hockey Players?
- Reduces concussion-related inflammation
- Heals bruises & soft tissue injuries faster
- Speeds up muscle & joint recovery
- Non-invasive & drug-free
- Safe & easy to use at home
If you’re tired of sitting out due to injuries, laser therapy could be the key to staying on the ice longer.
References:
Thunshelle, C., & Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Transcranial Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy for Brain Injury. Photomedicine and laser surgery, 34(12), 587–598. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2015.4051