Team Ontario Lacrosse

Tricia Hayton

The skis are packed away and the hockey skates have been hung up for another year, in our house that means that it is time to play Lacrosse.   As we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday it seems appropriate that my summer will be spent watching and working for Canada’s national sport.

This year I am proud to be working with Team Ontario Lacrosse as an on-field therapist.   Team Ontario will involve boys and girls born from 1999 to 2006.    Teams will be selected for both field and box games.    These representatives will compete in a National Championships throughout July and August.  These young men and women are truly the best that the province has to offer and I pleased that I will be helping them along the way.  

For more information on Team Ontario lacrosse check out their website at http://teamontariolacrosse.pointstreaksites.com/view/teamontariolacrosse/home-page-815.

Many of our local lacrosse players spend their winter with hockey.   How do you make the transition safely?   The most common complaint I have heard over the last few years is calf and ankle pain as the players change from skates to cleats and shoes.   This is because the large muscles in your calf, the gastrocnemius and soleus, that are responsible for sprinting are used minimally in skating.    It is fairly easy to strengthen these muscles to prevent pain, or lack of performance.   Standing on the edge of a bottom stair, let both heels hang off the edge.   Quickly raise up onto your toes and hold for a count of 3, then very slowly lower to the original position.   A healthy calf that is ready to take on the game should be able to do this exercise 30 times.  To strengthen the muscles, do 3 sets of 15 reps, 4-7 times a week.

Remember that if pain lasts for more than 3 days, it is wise to seek medical advice.   Our sports physicians are here to help!