Physiotherapy for Kids with Sports Injuries: Prevention and Treatment
Youth sports participation has never been higher. From soccer fields in Surrey to hockey rinks in Coquitlam, swimming pools in Port Moody to gymnastics centers in Port Coquitlam, children are more active and engaged in organized athletics than ever before. While this activity brings tremendous benefits—fitness, teamwork, discipline, confidence—it also comes with risks.
Approximately 3.5 million children under age 14 receive treatment for sports injuries annually in North America. Many of these injuries could be prevented, and those that do occur often benefit significantly from specialized pediatric physiotherapy that addresses not just the immediate injury but also the underlying factors that contributed to it.
Understanding how children's bodies differ from adults, recognizing injury patterns specific to young athletes, and implementing evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies can keep kids active, healthy, and performing at their best.
Why Children Are Not Small Adults
The most critical concept in pediatric sports medicine is that children's bodies are fundamentally different from adult bodies. These differences affect injury patterns, healing, and treatment approaches:
Growing Bones
Children's bones contain growth plates—areas of developing cartilage tissue near the ends of long bones. These growth plates are weaker than surrounding bone and ligaments, making them vulnerable to injury. Research in Sports Health indicates that approximately 15-30% of childhood fractures involve growth plates, with potential consequences for future bone development if not managed appropriately.
Developing Muscles and Tendons
As bones grow rapidly during growth spurts, muscles and tendons must catch up. This temporary imbalance creates periods of increased injury risk. The muscle-tendon units crossing joints may become relatively tight as bones lengthen, increasing stress on attachment points.
Immature Coordination
Motor control, balance, and coordination continue developing throughout childhood and adolescence. Younger athletes may lack the neuromuscular control needed to execute movements safely, particularly complex or high-speed maneuvers.
Different Injury Patterns
While adults commonly experience muscle strains and ligament sprains, children more frequently sustain growth plate injuries, apophysitis (inflammation at tendon attachment sites), and avulsion fractures where tendons pull bone fragments away from the main bone.
Coquitlam physiotherapists specializing in pediatric sports medicine understand these unique characteristics and tailor assessment and treatment accordingly.
Common Sports Injuries in Young Athletes
Different sports create different injury risks, though some conditions appear across multiple activities:
Overuse Injuries
These develop gradually from repetitive stress without adequate recovery. Common overuse injuries include:
Osgood-Schlatter Disease affects the growth plate at the top of the shinbone where the patellar tendon attaches. Common in sports involving running and jumping, it causes pain and swelling below the kneecap. Studies show this condition affects 10-20% of adolescent athletes, typically during growth spurts.
Sever's Disease involves inflammation of the growth plate in the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. It's prevalent in young soccer players, runners, and basketball players, causing heel pain that worsens with activity.
Little League Elbow describes several overuse conditions affecting the elbow in young throwing athletes. Repetitive throwing stress can damage growth plates and surrounding structures, potentially causing permanent injury if not addressed.
Stress Fractures occur when bones develop small cracks from repetitive impact. Common sites include shins, feet, and lower back, particularly in runners, dancers, and gymnasts.
Acute Injuries
These result from specific incidents or trauma:
Sprains and Strains: While less common in young children who typically fracture before ligaments tear, adolescents increasingly experience these soft tissue injuries, particularly ankle sprains in basketball and soccer.
Fractures: Broken bones, including growth plate fractures, occur across all sports but are especially common in contact sports, gymnastics, and activities with fall risks.
Concussions: These traumatic brain injuries require specialized management. Port Moody physiotherapists trained in concussion rehabilitation provide graduated return-to-sport protocols.
Dislocations: Shoulders, fingers, and kneecaps may dislocate during contact sports or falls, requiring immediate medical attention followed by physiotherapy rehabilitation.
Sport-Specific Injury Patterns
Understanding injury risks by sport helps with prevention:
Soccer: Ankle sprains, knee injuries (including ACL tears in older adolescents), shin splints, and growth plate injuries are common. The repetitive running, cutting, and kicking create specific stress patterns.
Hockey: Shoulder injuries, groin strains, hip problems, and concussions predominate. The physical contact and skating mechanics create unique demands.
Basketball: Ankle sprains, knee injuries, finger injuries, and Osgood-Schlatter disease are frequent. The jumping, landing, and direction changes stress lower extremity structures.
Gymnastics: Wrist and elbow injuries, low back pain, ankle injuries, and stress fractures occur often. The high-impact landings and repetitive extreme ranges of motion create injury risks.
Baseball/Softball: Throwing injuries affecting shoulders and elbows, sliding injuries, and collision injuries are typical concerns.
Running: Stress fractures, shin splints, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and Sever's disease commonly affect young runners, particularly those who increase training volume rapidly.
Surrey physiotherapy clinics treating young athletes develop sport-specific expertise, understanding the demands and injury patterns of different activities.
Risk Factors for Sports Injuries in Children
Multiple factors influence injury risk:
Training Errors
The most common and preventable cause of overuse injuries:
Rapid increases in training volume or intensity
Inadequate rest and recovery between sessions
Year-round single-sport specialization
Too much too soon in young or novice athletes
Physical Factors
Previous injury (significantly increases reinjury risk)
Muscle weakness or imbalances
Poor flexibility
Growth spurts causing temporary imbalances
Biomechanical issues like flat feet or knee alignment problems
Environmental Factors
Inadequate coaching or supervision
Poor equipment or improper fit
Unsafe playing surfaces
Inappropriate training for age or skill level
Psychosocial Factors
Pressure to perform or specialize early
Reluctance to report pain or injury
Return to play before full recovery
Burnout from excessive training demands
Port Coquitlam physiotherapists address these risk factors through education, injury prevention programs, and advocacy for appropriate training practices.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Treating Sports Injuries
When injuries occur, pediatric physiotherapy provides comprehensive care:
Accurate Assessment
Initial evaluation determines:
Specific structures injured and severity
Factors contributing to injury
Impact on function and activity
Appropriate management and referral needs
Timeline for recovery and return to sport
Physiotherapists use special tests, movement analysis, and sometimes diagnostic imaging to precisely identify injuries.
Pain and Inflammation Management
Early treatment focuses on:
Controlling pain and swelling
Protecting injured structures from further damage
Maintaining range of motion
Beginning appropriate movement
Education about the healing process
Techniques include ice, compression, elevation, gentle movement, and sometimes modalities like electrical stimulation or ultrasound, though hands-on treatment and exercise remain most important.
Progressive Rehabilitation
As healing progresses, treatment advances through phases:
Phase 1: Protection and Early Mobility focuses on pain control and preventing secondary complications while protecting healing tissues.
Phase 2: Restoration of Range and Strength progressively restores normal movement and begins strengthening exercises.
Phase 3: Functional Training incorporates sport-specific movements, agility work, and advanced strengthening in patterns relevant to the athlete's sport.
Phase 4: Return to Sport involves graduated return to practice and competition with continued injury prevention work.
Research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine confirms that structured, progressive rehabilitation reduces reinjury risk and ensures athletes return to sport with appropriate physical preparation.
Biomechanical Correction
Many injuries result from faulty movement patterns, muscle imbalances, or biomechanical issues. Coquitlam physiotherapists analyze running mechanics, jumping technique, throwing motions, or sport-specific skills to identify and correct problematic patterns.
Return-to-Sport Planning
Determining when it's safe to return to play requires expertise. Physiotherapists use objective criteria:
Full pain-free range of motion
Strength equal to uninjured side (minimum 90%)
Completion of sport-specific activities without pain
Passing functional tests relevant to the sport
Psychological readiness to return
Premature return dramatically increases reinjury risk, while excessive caution may cause deconditioning and prolong absence unnecessarily.
Injury Prevention: The Best Medicine
Preventing injuries is more effective than treating them. Evidence-based prevention strategies include:
Neuromuscular Training Programs
Structured warm-up programs incorporating balance, strength, plyometrics, and agility training reduce injury risk by 30-50% in multiple studies. Programs like FIFA 11+ for soccer have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness at preventing ACL and ankle injuries.
Port Moody sports physiotherapists teach teams these programs and advocate for their routine implementation.
Strength and Conditioning
Age-appropriate strength training provides numerous benefits:
Injury prevention through improved tissue capacity
Enhanced performance
Better movement control
Increased bone density
Contrary to outdated beliefs, properly supervised strength training is safe and beneficial for children. Surrey physiotherapy clinics provide guidance on appropriate resistance training for young athletes.
Movement Quality Training
Teaching proper landing mechanics, cutting techniques, and sport-specific skills reduces injury risk. Focus on quality over quantity—performing movements correctly protects tissues and improves performance.
Adequate Rest and Recovery
At least one day off per week from organized sport
Two to three months off from any single sport annually
Adequate sleep (9-12 hours for school-age children, 8-10 for teens)
Proper nutrition supporting growth and activity
Attention to early warning signs of overtraining
Appropriate Training Progression
The "10% rule"—increasing training volume by no more than 10% weekly—provides a general guideline, though individual factors affect appropriate progression rates.
Multi-Sport Participation
Children who specialize in single sports year-round have higher injury rates than those participating in multiple sports. Multi-sport athletes develop varied skills, avoid repetitive stress, and reduce burnout risk while often performing better in their primary sport long-term.
Special Considerations for Female Athletes
Female athletes face unique considerations:
ACL Injury Risk
Adolescent females have 2-8 times higher rates of ACL tears compared to males in similar sports. Factors include:
Anatomical differences (wider pelvis, different knee alignment)
Hormonal influences affecting ligament laxity
Neuromuscular control differences
Landing and cutting mechanics
Targeted neuromuscular training programs significantly reduce this elevated risk. Studies demonstrate that prevention programs can decrease ACL injury rates by up to 52% in female athletes.
Female Athlete Triad
This serious condition involves three interconnected concerns:
Low energy availability (insufficient calories for activity level)
Menstrual dysfunction
Decreased bone density
Athletes in appearance-focused sports (gymnastics, dance, figure skating) face higher risk, though it occurs across sports. Port Coquitlam physiotherapists screen for this condition and coordinate with physicians, dietitians, and mental health professionals when concerns arise.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Considerations
For teen athletes who become pregnant, physiotherapy supports continued safe activity during pregnancy and facilitates postpartum return to sport. Understanding pelvic floor changes, core muscle function, and appropriate progressions ensures healthy return to athletics.
Concussion Management
Sports-related concussions require specialized attention. While often considered a medical issue, physiotherapists play crucial roles in:
Vestibular Rehabilitation: Addressing dizziness, balance problems, and vision issues that commonly persist after concussion.
Cervical Spine Treatment: Managing neck injuries that frequently accompany concussions and contribute to ongoing symptoms.
Exertional Therapy: Providing graduated exercise protocols that support recovery while avoiding symptom exacerbation.
Return-to-Learn and Return-to-Play Protocols: Guiding appropriate progression back to school and sport activities.
Coquitlam physiotherapists with concussion certification provide evidence-based care that accelerates recovery and ensures safe return to activities.
The Psychological Impact of Sports Injuries
Physical healing represents only one aspect of injury recovery. Children and adolescents may experience:
Fear of reinjury affecting performance
Loss of identity if heavily invested in athlete role
Social isolation from missing team activities
Frustration with recovery timelines
Pressure to return prematurely
Surrey physiotherapists address psychological aspects by:
Providing clear, honest information about recovery
Setting realistic expectations and achievable goals
Celebrating progress milestones
Involving athletes actively in rehabilitation decisions
Maintaining connection with teams and coaches
Referring to sport psychology professionals when appropriate
Working with Coaches, Parents, and Athletes
Successful injury management requires collaboration:
Coach Communication: Physiotherapists educate coaches about injury prevention, recognize concerning signs, and plan safe return-to-sport progressions while respecting coaching decisions.
Parent Education: Parents need information about:
Realistic recovery timelines
Home exercise program importance
Warning signs of complications
Appropriate activity modifications
When to be concerned versus reassured
Athlete Engagement: Young athletes must understand their injuries, participate in treatment decisions, commit to home programs, and honestly report symptoms.
Tri-Cities physiotherapy clinics emphasize this team approach, recognizing that everyone's cooperation maximizes outcomes.
Technology and Innovation in Pediatric Sports Physiotherapy
Modern physiotherapy incorporates evidence-based innovations:
Movement Analysis: Video gait analysis and motion capture technology identify biomechanical issues contributing to injury or affecting performance.
Strength Testing: Objective measurement devices quantify strength deficits and track recovery progress.
Balance and Proprioception Assessment: Sophisticated balance testing equipment identifies deficits and guides intervention.
Telehealth Options: Virtual visits enable consistent monitoring, exercise instruction, and problem-solving for busy athletic schedules.
Port Moody clinics investing in these technologies provide enhanced care while maintaining focus on relationship-building and hands-on treatment.
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
Most pediatric sports injuries respond to conservative physiotherapy management. However, some situations require surgical intervention:
Displaced growth plate fractures
Complete ligament tears in older adolescents
Unstable fractures or dislocations
Severe structural damage
When surgery is necessary, physiotherapy remains crucial:
Pre-operative Preparation ("Prehab"): Optimizing strength, range of motion, and function before surgery improves post-operative outcomes.
Post-operative Rehabilitation: Structured therapy guides healing, restores function, and facilitates safe return to sport.
Port Coquitlam physiotherapists experienced in post-operative pediatric care coordinate closely with surgeons to optimize recovery.
Long-Term Implications of Youth Sports Injuries
While most injuries heal completely, some have lasting consequences:
Growth plate injuries may affect bone growth if severe
Repeated concussions increase risk for long-term effects
Multiple injuries may accelerate joint degeneration later in life
Serious injuries can derail athletic careers and scholarships
These potential outcomes underscore the importance of:
Taking injuries seriously
Ensuring complete recovery before return to sport
Implementing injury prevention strategies
Avoiding overuse and overtraining
Prioritizing long-term health over short-term performance
Creating a Culture of Injury Prevention and Safety
Individual treatment addresses specific injuries, but broader cultural changes prevent them:
Youth Sports Organizations Should:
Implement evidence-based warm-up protocols
Enforce rest and recovery requirements
Limit contact in practice for collision sports
Provide qualified coaching and supervision
Maintain safe equipment and facilities
Create environments where reporting pain is encouraged
Parents Should:
Support multi-sport participation
Advocate for rest when needed
Recognize warning signs of overtraining
Ensure adequate sleep, nutrition, and hydration
Model healthy attitudes about sport and injury
Resist pressure for early specialization
Young Athletes Should:
Report pain or injury promptly
Complete warm-ups and cool-downs properly
Follow treatment recommendations fully
Communicate honestly with coaches and parents
Prioritize long-term health over immediate competition
Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and Surrey communities benefit when everyone works together to create safer youth sport environments.
Finding Pediatric Sports Physiotherapy
When seeking care for a young athlete:
Look for physiotherapists with pediatric and sports expertise
Ask about experience with your child's specific sport
Inquire about prevention program knowledge
Ensure they communicate well with young patients
Verify they understand growth-related issues
Confirm they coordinate with sports medicine physicians
Many local clinics offer free initial consultations to determine whether their services match your needs.
Supporting Young Athletes Through Injury and Recovery
As a parent, your role in your child's injury recovery is significant:
Validate Their Experience: Acknowledge disappointment and frustration while maintaining optimism about recovery.
Ensure Compliance: Help your child complete home exercises and attend appointments even when motivation wanes.
Maintain Perspective: Remind your child that sports are one part of life, not their entire identity.
Advocate Appropriately: Support your child's needs while trusting professional recommendations about return timing.
Focus on Growth: Help your child learn from the experience—resilience, patience, and body awareness.
The Bottom Line
Youth sports provide tremendous benefits, but injuries are an unfortunate reality. With appropriate prevention strategies, prompt treatment when injuries occur, and specialized pediatric sports physiotherapy, most young athletes recover fully and return to the activities they love.
The key is recognizing that children are not small adults—they require specialized assessment, treatment, and prevention approaches that account for growing bodies, developing skills, and unique injury patterns. Physiotherapists in Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and Surrey with pediatric sports expertise provide this specialized care, supporting young athletes in achieving their goals while prioritizing long-term health.
Whether your child is a recreational participant or competitive athlete, investing in injury prevention and responding appropriately when injuries occur ensures they can enjoy the physical, social, and emotional benefits of sports throughout childhood and beyond. The foundation built during these formative years—healthy movement patterns, injury prevention knowledge, and appropriate training practices—serves them throughout life, enabling active, healthy futures.
References
Brenner, J. S., & Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. (2016). Sports specialization and intensive training in young athletes. Pediatrics, 138(3), e20162148. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics
Myer, G. D., Faigenbaum, A. D., Ford, K. R., Best, T. M., Bergeron, M. F., & Hewett, T. E. (2011). When to initiate integrative neuromuscular training to reduce sports-related injuries in youth? Current Sports Medicine Reports, 10(3), 155-166. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr
Emery, C. A., Roy, T. O., Whittaker, J. L., Nettel-Aguirre, A., & van Mechelen, W. (2015). Neuromuscular training injury prevention strategies in youth sport: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(13), 865-870. https://bjsm.bmj.com
Jayanthi, N. A., LaBella, C. R., Fischer, D., Pasulka, J., & Dugas, L. R. (2015). Sports-specialized intensive training and the risk of injury in young athletes. Sports Health, 7(5), 437-442. https://journals.sagepub.com/home/sph
Caine, D., Purcell, L., & Maffulli, N. (2014). The child and adolescent athlete: a review of three potentially serious injuries. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 6(1), 22. https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com
Swenson, D. M., Yard, E. E., Fields, S. K., & Comstock, R. D. (2009). Patterns of recurrent injuries among US high school athletes, 2005-2008. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 37(8), 1586-1593. https://journals.sagepub.com/home/ajs
Hewett, T. E., Myer, G. D., & Ford, K. R. (2006). Anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female athletes: Part 1, mechanisms and risk factors. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 34(2), 299-311. https://journals.sagepub.com/home/ajs