By familiarizing yourself with some of the most common questions and concerns parents have, you can understand the safest ways to help your child compete, grow, and have fun while doing so.
What Parents Need to Know About Injuries and Youth Athletics
What are some things I need to know before my child competes in sports?
- Is my child healthy and ready to participate in this sport?
- What are the potential injury risks in this or any sport, and how can I best prepare my child for safe participation?
- What athletic equipment is recommended for the particular sport for safety and success?
- Are there any recommended physical preparations for strength and endurance before beginning a sport?
- Will anyone who is CPR and First Aid certified be available during practices/games?
What are the most common sports injuries?
- Twists, tears and sprains
- Dehydration
- Concussion
- Bone Breaks
- Dislocation
- Overuse
Where can I go if my child is injured?
It is important to get your child’s injury checked out by medical professionals as soon as possible. Urgent care is a great way to get a sports injury analyzed without an appointment, especially when your child’s school does not employ a full-time athletic trainer.
Visiting an urgent care location staffed by sports medicine specialists, like ours, ensures your child receives the best care and expert opinions possible.
Are there regular health routines athletes should practice to best safeguard their health?
- A balanced diet
- Regular sleep patterns
- Strength and Conditioning Training
- Appropriate Rest
How common are concussions, and should I be concerned?
Concussions are common injuries sustained in youth/high school athletics. Parents and coaches should be concerned and informed about concussion symptoms and be able to identify them and remove the athlete from competition.
How common are head injuries in sports?
There are an estimated 3.8 million concussions in the United States per year in athletics. Head injuries are common injuries seen in youth and high school athletics. Concussions are more common in contact related activities including soccer, football, basketball, hockey.
How Do I Prevent Injuries and Help My Child Heal Properly
What does a sports medicine specialist do?
Sports medicine specialists are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat injuries related to participation in sports. A Sports Medicine Specialist understands the demands placed on the athlete’s body and how to safely and effectively address the issue and return the athlete to the field of play.
Our team of specialists work together to identify which providers are the best to address a specific injury. The depth of our “bench” provides parents and athletes with the confidence that they are receiving world class care to protect their game.
What innovations in sports equipment, game rulings, etc. have been made to better protect young athletes?
- Concussion protocols continue to improve as we learn more. Equipment advances mirror the protocol improvements.
- Heightened awareness of safety thresholds have allowed for improvements in the presence of qualified caregivers at a number of events, resulting in improved response times.
- Baseline concussion testing has been implemented at many schools and colleges to help better diagnose concussions and monitor recovery.
What should my child do if they suspect an injury during practice or a game?
If you or your child suspect an injury during practice or a game, the athlete should immediately stop playing/practicing and discuss their concern with the coach or athletic trainer.
What are some tips for injury recovery? Rehabilitation?
- Follow Doctor’s/Caregiver’s orders.
- Do not rush the crucial process of rehabilitation.
- Utilize rest as an important part of the recovery process.