Sports Injury Treatment and Prevention: Tips for Returning to School Sports!

Sports Injury Treatment and Prevention: Tips for Returning to School Sports!

Remember school comes first at this time of year and kids may need time to adjust to the typical daily routine of classes and homework before overly engaging in any sport. It is important for parents during this time to pay attention to how kids are dealing with the school load and the emotional stress of starting another school year and peer pressure influences from classmates.

• Time off. Plan to have at least 2-3 day off per week from a particular sport to allow the body to recover. 
• Wear the right gear.  Players should wear appropriate and properly fit protective equipment such as pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, shin) helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and/or eyewear. Young athletes should not assume that protective gear will protect them from performing more dangerous or risky activities. 
• Strengthen muscles. Conditioning exercises before games and during practice strengthens muscles used in play. 
• Increase flexibility. Stretching exercises before and after games or practice can increase flexibility.  Lightweight foam rollers can be used after play to reduce muscle soreness.
• Use the proper technique. This should be reinforced during the playing season. 
• Take breaks. Rest periods during practice and games can reduce injuries and prevent heat illness.  
• Play safe. Nobody checking since Hockey is such a popular sport in Illinois and rules should be enforced, as well as offensive tackling in football and baseball.
• Stop the activity if there is pain.
• Avoid heat injury by drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise or play; decrease or stop practices or competitions during high heat/humidity periods; wear light clothing.

For more information on tips for returning to school sports to please call Dr. Jenna at (630) 922-6500.