Athletics are a great way to keep your child active, but they can also be hard on the body. It’s important to teach your child to protect themselves. A sports injury can leave them sidelined for months. Recognizing risks and taking care of physical health will ensure they get to continue enjoying their favorite activities.

How to Prevent Pediatric Sports Injuries

1. Teach Your Child to Stretch

Stretching is one of the most important aspects of sports. Your child’s body has to warm up before going from a state of rest to high activity. When there’s no in-between, muscle, joint, and tendon and ligament injuries can occur from the stress.

Teach your child to stretch for at least 10 minutes before activities. They should focus on all the major muscle groups. Have them activate their joints and perform jumping jacks for one minute so their body is ready for activity. Stretching afterward can help with muscle recovery, so recommend another 10-minute stretching period.

2. Get the Right Gear

The wrong shoes are a common cause of sports injury. Make sure your child has supportive shoes specific to their sport. Get running shoes for cross-country, cleats for turf sports, and wrestling shoes for the mat, for example. These are designed to properly cushion and support the feet to reduce ankle sprains, heel pain, and other injuries.

They should also have the right protective gear in high-contact sports. Pads and equipment are carefully designed to lessen physical blows and to also protect muscles and joints. Pair gear with clothes that allow a full range of motion and aren’t baggy.

3. Emphasize Technique

Poor technique can lead to a sports injury. Whatever the sport is, encourage your child to learn the proper form. Throwing a baseball incorrectly can cause shoulder pain. An off-kilter running gait can damage the knees and hips. Tackling incorrectly can lead to a football concussion.

If your child has already suffered a sports injury, contact Step By Step Physical Therapy in Warsaw, NY. Their physical therapy staff can address a number of injuries, including back and neck pain. They’ll create a personalized rehabilitation plan and take the necessary steps to avoid repeat injuries. Call (585) 786-8700 to schedule an exam. You can connect on Facebook for news and updates.