Sports are a healthy way for your child to stay active and make new friends. However, these activities can also put them at risk for sports injuries like torn ACLs and ankle sprains. The following are some key tips for helping your child avoid common sports injuries. 

How Can You Help Your Kids Avoid Sports Injuries?

1. Make Sure They Wear Safety Gear

Talk to your child’s coach at the beginning of the season about what safety gear they’ll need before practices begin. For sports like football and hockey, you will likely need to buy mouth guards and pads. Baseball players usually need batting helmets. While the school or sports organization may provide these items, be sure your child is protected when practice starts.

2. Remind Them to Warm Up

Many sports injuries occur when people jump right into intense exercise without first warming up. Talk to your child about the importance of warming up before practice and stretching after. Remind them to always listen to their coach, even if their friends skip the warmup. This principle also applies to practicing proper technique. 

3. Encourage Communication 

If your child strains their shoulder and continues to play, this small issue might develop if left unaddressed. Encourage your child to always come off the field and communicate with their coach if they’re in pain. Some kids may be tempted to push through an injury, but remind them that doing so might result in more time off from sports later. 

If your child does sustain a sports injury, the team at Snyder Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation in Lincoln, NE, will help them recover. This physical therapy clinic has been working with patients of all ages for over 27 years, treating a variety of issues. You can learn more about their services and the conditions that they address by visiting their website. Interested patients can also call (402) 489-1999 to make an appointment.