Three Ways To Prevent Your Child’s Athletic Injury

As the parent of a young athlete, it’s likely that few things make you prouder than seeing your child playing a sport they love. The possibility of them suffering a sports-related injury can have your feelings split between a desire to see them healthfully participating and an instinct to protect them from harm. While you can’t predict or prevent your child from having a sports-related injury, you can play a significant part in reducing your child’s risk.

• The majority of sports-related injuries in young athletes result from improper technique or training. While you yourself may not know a lot about the sport your child plays, there are plenty of coaches and trainers who do! Do some research before settling on a team or coach, and look for qualities like knowledge of the sport, experience, willingness to guide and help players and patience. Make sure that your child listens to instructions and follows the guidelines and training routine set out for them.

• A physical assessment and open discussion with a doctor before allowing your child to begin a sport is crucial. A physical is designed to spot anything that could prevent your child’s safe participation in the sport of their choice.

• Make warm ups and cool downs a part of any practice, even at home. Even if your child is looking to toss a ball around outside with some friends, encourage a light and quick warm up to get the muscles going. Suggest they take a walk around the block as a group before. To cool down, have your child perform some simple stretches and drink a glass of water.

Call Dr. Matthew T. Boes orthopaedic surgeon if your child suffers from a sports related injury!