Drislane: Parents cautioned, as sports injuries rise

PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL MAVITY

(M)ore than 3.5 million kids under age 14 receive medical treatment for sports-related injuries each year, and high school athletes account for an estimated 2 million of them annually.”

Connor Drislane is the Delaware regional director of clinics for Aquacare Physical Therapy.

Youth sports bring incredible benefits — teamwork, discipline, confidence and physical fitness. But alongside the thrill of the game comes a growing reality: Sports injuries among children and teens are on the rise. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 3.5 million kids under age 14 receive medical treatment for sports-related injuries each year, and high school athletes account for an estimated 2 million of them annually.

While most are minor, others can sideline young athletes for weeks or months. Understanding the risks, knowing when to seek help and turning to physical therapy can make all the difference.

The most common youth sports injuries

Children and teens are not simply “smaller adults.” Their bones, muscles and joints are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to certain types of injuries. Among the most common:

• Sprains and strains — Overstretched ligaments or muscles are frequent in running, jumping and contact sports.
• Growth plate injuries — Because bones are still growing, the soft areas at the ends of long bones (growth plates) are susceptible to fractures.
• Overuse injuries — Stress fractures and tendonitis are often linked to year-round training or specializing in a single sport too early.
• Concussions — Contact sports, such as football, soccer and lacrosse, carry risks of head injuries, which must always be taken seriously.
• Knee and shoulder injuries — ACL tears, patellar pain and rotator cuff issues are increasingly seen in youth athletes, especially those in high-intensity activities, like basketball, volleyball and swimming.

When to get an injury checked out

Parents often turn to the classic “RICE” method — rest, ice, compression and elevation — when their child complains of pain. While that can help with minor bumps and bruises, studies are now showing that this approach is a bit outdated. Now, the emphasis should be on the “PEACE and LOVE” method — protection, elevation, avoid anti-inflammatories, compression, education, load, optimism, vascularization and, finally, exercise.

Red flags that signal an injury should be checked by a health care professional include:

• Persistent pain lasting more than a few days
• Swelling that doesn’t subside
• Difficulty bearing weight or moving a joint normally
• Numbness, tingling or weakness
• Pain that worsens with activity rather than improving

Early intervention not only speeds recovery but also reduces the risk of long-term damage.

Why physical therapy matters for young athletes

When injuries strike, physical therapy can play a crucial role in getting kids safely back in the game. Unlike simply resting, physical therapy addresses the root of the problem — restoring strength, flexibility and proper movement patterns.

Benefits of physical therapy for youth sports injuries include:

• Faster recovery and safe return to play
• Decreased risk of reinjury
• Pain reduction without relying on medication
• Education on proper body mechanics and training techniques

Physical therapists are movement experts who understand the unique challenges of growing bodies. They design personalized programs that rebuild strength, improve stability and protect vulnerable joints, all while keeping kids engaged and motivated.

Beyond injury: building stronger, smarter athletes

Physical therapy isn’t only for recovery — it’s also about prevention and performance. Youth who work with physical therapists can learn strategies to move more efficiently, avoid overtraining and improve overall athletic ability.

Preventive screenings can uncover muscle imbalances, postural issues or movement patterns that may lead to injuries down the road. From teaching proper warm-up routines to sport-specific strength-and-conditioning training, physical therapists empower young athletes to play smarter, not just harder.

This proactive approach helps kids not only avoid time on the sidelines but also enhance their performances. A stronger, more resilient athlete is also a more confident one.

Supporting your youth athlete

As a parent, the best way to support your young athlete is by encouraging balance — between training, rest, competition and recovery. Know the signs of overuse and don’t dismiss pain as “just part of the game.” By taking injuries seriously and turning to physical therapy when needed, you’re investing in both your child’s health and his or her future in sports.

Whether it’s helping a soccer player recover from a sprained ankle, guiding a swimmer through shoulder rehab or teaching a basketball player how to land safely from a jump, physical therapists are vital partners in keeping youth athletes safe, strong and on the fields.

Bottom line: Youth sports should build lifelong skills and joy — not chronic pain or preventable injuries. A physical therapy evaluation may be the first step toward healing, prevention and unlocking your young athlete’s full potential.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.