By Caitlin Fernandez, MS, ATC & the Spine & Sport Team
The final whistle may have blown, but your body isn’t done yet.
The off-season is one of the most important phases in an athlete’s yearly cycle—and the perfect time to reset, recover, and rebuild.
Here are some physical therapy-backed tips to help lacrosse players stay healthy and come back stronger for next season:
Rebuild Strength Gradually
It’s tempting to jump right into intense training, but your body needs time to recover and re-adapt. Start with low-impact, foundational strength exercises and gradually increase intensity. This helps rebuild muscle without overloading joints or risking setbacks.
Address Lingering Aches
Minor injuries and compensations often go unaddressed during the season. The off-season is your chance to fix them before they become bigger problems. Physical therapy can help target those nagging pains and restore proper movement patterns.
Restore Mobility
Lacrosse puts huge demands on the hips, shoulders, and spine. After months of competition, it's common for range of motion to decrease. Targeted mobility work now can help you regain flexibility and reduce your risk of injury when practices ramp back up.
Improve Movement Mechanics
Want to reduce injury risk next season? A movement assessment with a PT can uncover imbalances in your stride, cutting mechanics, or posture—often before pain starts. Small adjustments now can lead to major performance gains later.
Set a Smarter Training Plan
Off-season doesn’t mean “do nothing”—but it should include rest, recovery, and a personalized progression plan. Physical therapists can help athletes build strength while protecting joints, improving coordination, and avoiding burnout.
Whether you’re rehabbing from the season or looking to start next year at 100%, Spine & Sport is here to help.
Book a movement assessment or recovery session today at https://www.prnpt.com/brands/spine-and-sport-physical-therapy/.