How to Prevent Common Lacrosse Injuries

​A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and wealth advisor with Merrill Lynch, Keefe Gorman was listed in Barron's magazine's Top 100 Advisors for 2005. Away from his work at Merrill Lynch, Keefe Gorman enjoys snow skiing, wakeboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and playing lacrosse in his spare time.

Lacrosse, known as America's first sport, is a fast-paced sport requiring athletes to perform high-intensity actions such as running, catching, and shooting balls. Much like soccer, lacrosse matches, particularly men's, create an environment conducive to various injuries, with hip flexor strains, concussions, and hand and wrist fractures being the most common.

Coaches and athletes can use specific techniques to reduce the likelihood of a player suffering one of these common lacrosse injuries during practice or on game day. For example, religiously observing preseason training is an effective method for athletes to maintain peak physical condition, ensuring that their bodies will quickly adjust to the rigors of lacrosse season.

This training can include lacrosse-specific programs such as neuromuscular training, plyometrics, and conditioning. Training sessions should begin with adequate warm-up stretching and hydration, with the workout intensity gradually increasing over time. However, training should be done in moderation, because excessive play can result in overuse injuries and burnout. As a result, players should take regular days off at set times each week and offseason holidays of a month or longer.

Furthermore, shoulder injuries such as dislocations and subluxations to the glenohumeral joint, which is incredibly unstable due to its high mobility, can be prevented by strengthening the shoulder complex. Players can achieve this by performing seated press-ups, bird dogs, and ball wall exercises.

Keefe Gorman Merrill Lynch

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