Back-to-School Sports Injury Prevention: Tips for Parents, Coaches, and Student Athletes

As the new school year kicks off, student-athletes across the country are heading back to the field, court, and gym. While sports offer tremendous physical, social, and mental benefits, they also carry a risk of sports injuries. Understanding the most common injuries, how they are treated, and, most importantly, how to prevent them can help parents, coaches, and students enjoy a safe and successful season.

Common Sports Injuries in School-Age Athletes
Some of the most frequently seen injuries in youth sports include:

• Sprains and Strains: Often affecting the ankles, knees, and wrists
• ACL Injuries: Common in soccer, basketball, and football
• Shoulder Injuries and Labrum Tears: Especially in overhead sports, like baseball, softball, and swimming
• Concussions: From high-contact sports such as football, lacrosse, and hockey
• Overuse Injuries: Such as stress fractures, tendonitis, and growth plate injuries

Treatment Options for Youth Sports Injuries
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury but generally includes:

• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) for minor sprains and strains
• Physical therapy to restore strength, mobility, and stability
• Surgical intervention for severe injuries, like ACL tears, shoulder labrum tears, or fractures
• Concussion management protocols including cognitive rest and gradual return-to-play plans

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent long-term complications and ensure athletes can return safely to their sport.

Prevention Tips for the Upcoming School Year
Preventing sports injuries starts with education, preparation, and proper training. Key strategies include:

1. Proper conditioning and strength training – Focus on core, hip, and shoulder stability, and strengthen muscles supporting joints like the knees and ankles
2. Warm-up and cool-down routines – Include dynamic stretching before practices and games, and static stretching afterward
3. Safe sport techniques – Coaches should emphasize proper throwing, landing, and cutting mechanics to reduce risk of ACL and shoulder injuries
4. Gradual progression – Avoid overuse injuries by following the 10% rule: increase intensity, duration, or frequency of activity gradually
5. Adequate rest and recovery – Encourage athletes to listen to their bodies and take time off when experiencing pain, soreness, or fatigue
6. Protective equipment – Helmets, braces, and properly fitted footwear can prevent serious injuries in contact and high-impact sports
7. Concussion awareness – Train athletes, parents, and coaches to recognize early signs of concussion, and follow established return-to-play protocols

By focusing on proper training, injury prevention, and recovery, student athletes, parents, and coaches can help reduce the risk of common sports injuries and keep athletes performing at their best.

For expert guidance and personalized care, our Sports Medicine team is here to support athletes of all ages—helping them stay safe, strong, and in the game all season long!