In previous installments of our series on pediatric sports conditions, we’ve covered the rise in pediatric and adolescent sports injuries, their causes, and possible steps to prevent or reduce these injuries. This week I would like to discuss in more detail some of the ways to address these issues and help prevent injuries.
Pre-Participation Screenings for Child Athletes
Athletes should go through a pre-participation screening to help identify risk factors and strategies to maximize their individual development and performance safely. These screenings should be carried out by a multi-member screening team, with each team member thoroughly addressing their respective section of the screening.
Different organizations may have slightly varying versions for pre-participation screenings, but they often consist of (but are not limited to) an orthopedist, athletic trainer, physical therapist, and strengthening specialist. This process provides a more comprehensive assessment of all major systems of each athlete to identify potential issues and address them appropriately.
Making Sports Kid-Friendly
Guidelines for a safe return to sports and the importance of proper hydration and nutrition should be stressed while simultaneously discouraging the use of nutritional supplements for performance enhancement. Modification of the rules of adult games to make them more appropriate for the pediatric population, properly fitting uniforms and equipment, and the characteristics of the different playing surfaces should also be addressed.
These adaptations will be determined by the level of physical maturity in child athletes. Examples of modifications are field size and the number and types of pitches, both of which vary greatly depending on age and/or skeletal maturity. Such adjustments can be made without sacrificing the inherent essence of the sport while protecting the athlete at the same time.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s sports involvement or teams they play on, reach out to your local SET Physical Therapy for more information.
Note: The information in this series originally appeared in “Injuries in the Pediatric Athlete: Etiology and Strategies for Prevention,” which Chana Frommer co-authored.
