Tips for Keeping Student Athletes Safe and Healthy

Sports are a great way for children to exercise and learn about important life skills, such as teamwork and discipline. But, one thing they shouldn’t have to learn about too early is the consequences of sports injuries. Whether it’s a severe injury like a broken bone or a minor overuse injury like muscle strains, here are some tips for reducing injuries among student-athletes.

Preventing Overuse Injuries in Youth Baseball

Each year, thousands of children who play baseball suffer from elbow or shoulder pain. This pain is often caused by damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), usually the result of pitchers throwing too much. To avoid overuse injuries, remember to warm up properly by stretching and ease into pitching with some easy, gradual throwing. Also, don’t keep player in the same position for too long – rotate them regularly. Also, try to stick to a limited number of pitches for each player so they don’t develop overuse injuries.

How to Prevent Injuries in Youth Basketball

Over 1.6 million children play youth basketball every year. And while there is technically no contact, it is still a fast-paced, injury-prone sport. Children often suffer from ankle sprains, jammed fingers, knee injuries, bruises, cuts and even stress fractures. To help prevent basketball injury from occurring on the court, make sure the team stays hydrated and doesn’t get overheated (especially when playing outdoors). Remember to stretch before playing and keep a close eye on players that appear to be fatigued.

Tips For Preventing Youth Soccer Injuries

While soccer may not be as popular in the United States as it is elsewhere in the world, over 3 million kids play in youth soccer leagues. It provides aerobic exercise and helps develop balance, agility, coordination, and a sense of teamwork. However, it’s also a high-risk sport for injury, including overuse of the lower extremities, falls, cuts, bruises and sprains. To prevent injury, use well-fitting cleats and shin guards. Also, pay close attention to poor field conditions, as this can increase the likelihood of falls and other injuries. Make sure your balls are properly inflated and that the goals are well secured. And like all sports, make sure youth players stay hydrated.

Choose 5-Star Care For Your Youth Athletes

If you’re a coach of kids sports, or the parent of a youth athlete, you can count on Premier to deliver the best physical therapy for children. At Premier, you can count on our experienced staff of therapists to help your child get back to the games they love and give them pointers on how to reduce their risk of future injury. Premier Physical Therapy is also the only provider in the region to offer a 5-Star Plan for pain. Our comprehensive approach to pain relief is what sets us apart. Sport injuries do not just happen.If your child is feeling pain then do not ignore those symptoms. Call us today at 573-335-7868 for an injury screening!