From sprained ankles to concussions, there are many potential sports injuries that today’s youth athletes face. Fortunately, these dangers don’t have to keep kids from participating in their favorite activities like football, martial arts, or swimming. With the support of parents, coaches, and sports medicine professionals, young athletes can develop habits that reduce the risk of injury and improve long-term performance. If your child participates in any physical activity, here are a few sports injury prevention tips to keep in mind.

5 Sports Injury Prevention Tips for Young Athletes

1. Stretch

Before any type of fitness, athletes should fully stretch all of their core muscle groups and ease into the activity with a warm-up routine. Taking these steps will help stretch out muscle fibers, allowing them to become more flexible and less likely to tear under stress.

2. Gear Up

Children who participate in contact sports, like wrestling or football, have a risk of traumatic injury caused by powerful impact. Many tools can help safeguard athlete’s body like intact helmets to reduce the risk of head injury, or mouth guards to prevent oral trauma. You can purchase a variety of protective gear online or at a local sports store.

3. Train Strategically

Training develops muscle that helps strengthen the body against injury. Regular practice also allows athletes to refine their technique, lowering their risk of incorrect, potentially-dangerous movements during gameplay.

4. Prioritize Pain

When pain is present, athletes should stay out of the game until a trusted sports medicine provider has evaluated them. While pain may be a sign of minor trouble, it could also be a warning that a serious injury has occurred. If an athlete attempts to play through the pain, they may end up worsening their situation and developing an injury that keeps them out of the game for an extended period.

5. Don’t Rush Recovery

If your child has experienced any type of sports injury, talk to a sports medicine expert before they return to the activity. While the affected area may feel better, certain joints and tissues could still be vulnerable and increase the risk of secondary injury.
 

Whether you’re a youth or adult athlete, StayFIT Physical Therapy is a sports medicine specialist equipped to treat and prevent injuries. Staffed by trained physical therapists, this Oahu, HI, clinic will develop a customized plan that’s designed to target your specific needs and activity. Through one-on-one training and rehabilitation sessions, their skilled team will introduce you to a series of techniques and tools that promote healing, strengthen muscle, improve flexibility, and enhance performance. Visit them online to learn more about their available services. For appointments, call (808) 487-0487 to reach the Aiea clinic or (808) 674-0500 to speak with the team in Kapolei.