As a parent, you want your children to stay active and enjoy the fun and camaraderie that comes with playing sports. That being said, it’s natural to want to protect them from sports-related injuries and the need to heal through physical therapy. With this in mind, here are a few preventative measures to help your little one enjoy sports with a lower risk of injury. 

4 Prevention Tips for Sports Injuries in Children

1. Schedule a Physical

Before your child embarks on a new sports season, schedule a routine physical with your primary care physician. This appointment will help you and your child better understand their overall health and wellness.

Together with your doctor, you can decide if there are any muscle or joint issues that should be addressed. In some cases, pre-emptive physical therapy and conditioning can mediate warning signs and the odds of an injury down the line. 

2. Encourage Stretching

Physical therapy is often needed due to torn ligaments and pulled muscles. One effective way to reduce the risk of soft tissue injuries is to embrace warm-ups and stretching before and after physical activity. Encourage your child to stretch properly and don’t hesitate to ask them about their workout routine and any pain, so you can tackle the issue together before it becomes chronic. 

3. Create a Nutritious Meal Plan

Your young athlete will be burning calories during practice and games. To ensure they stay energized, create a healthy meal plan for your child that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Make sure your child always has plenty of water to drink and healthy snacks, like fruit and nuts, when they’re exercising. 

4. Invest in the Right Equipment

Injuries and the need for physical therapy are often prompted by ineffective equipment. At the start of the season, talk to your child’s coach about the gear necessary to play the game safely. Shop for the right helmets, pads, and footwear, so you know your child is set up for success.

Are you looking for a holistic, client-focused physical rehabilitation center that’s well-versed in treating sports injuries and chronic pain in patients of various ages? If so, contact Evergreen Pain Management & Rehabilitation Center. This wellness practice, located in Sheffield, OH, has been providing physical therapy geared toward accelerated healing and pain reduction to residents across Loraine County and Cleveland since 1999. Call their office today at (440) 240-9111 to schedule a consultation and visit their website to learn more about their comprehensive approach to improving every patient’s mobility and quality of life.