Excitement for a new sports season is high as children and teens head back onto the field, court, mat and track. Along with preparing to compete, it’s important to take proactive steps to keep young athletes healthy and active throughout the season. Physicians from Riley Children's Health share an expert perspective on injury prevention, athlete wellness and when to seek care.
Build a Strong Foundation Before the Season Starts
Dr. Gunnar Tysklind, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, explains why conditioning, recovery and addressing pain early can help reduce injury risk before the season begins.
“Listening to your body is crucial for a healthy season. Playing through pain can often lead to longer periods of time out of the sport. Ensuring that the coaches and strength and conditioning specialists are fully aware of proper training intensity and frequency can help the overall team stay healthy.”
A Strong Season Starts with a Healthy Heart
Dr. Felipe Murguia, pediatric cardiologist, explains that while most young athletes can participate in sports safely, it’s important to be mindful of heart health as they head into a new season.
“Staying well hydrated is one of the simplest things athletes can do to help their bodies perform at their best, and symptoms like chest pain, dizziness or fainting, or a racing or irregular heartbeat during exercise should never be ignored. A pre-participation physical is also an important opportunity to tell your pediatrician about any personal or family history of heart problems, particularly unexplained or cardiac-related deaths at a young age. Recognizing these warning signs and sharing that history allows us to identify the small number of athletes who may need additional evaluation before returning to play.”
Protect the Brain, Neck and Spine During Sports
Dr. Laurie Ackerman, pediatric neurosurgeon, discusses how athletes, parents and coaches can help prevent brain and spine injuries,
"Preventing brain and spine injuries starts with proper safety equipment, including well-fitting helmets and sports-specific safety measures like breakaway bases to prevent sliding injuries. Athletes should learn techniques that help protect the head and neck during play, including safe tackling and blocking. Parents and coaches should be alert for signs of a concussion or more serious head or spinal cord injury. Any athlete who experiences unequal pupil sizes, persistent headaches, dizziness, repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual behavior changes, weakness, numbness or tingling, severe neck or back pain, slurred speech, seizures, or loss of consciousness should be removed from play immediately and evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.”
Train the Mind for Competition
Dr. Elaine Gilbert, pediatric sports psychologist, shares why the ability to adapt, recover and bounce back from challenges is just as important to an athlete's success as physical training.
“Focus on what you can control, and let go of what you cannot. Remember, stress is not always bad—it can actually give you energy and motivation to get moving toward your goals! But when it gets to be too much, pause. Take a slow, deep breath, ground with your senses, and use simple, kind words to encourage yourself. This is hard and you can do hard things. Resting and taking a break is part of staying strong, too. Reset your mind, keep going, and don't forget to celebrate your wins!”
Setting the stage for a strong sports season requires more than training. It means building a strong physical and mental foundation, helping young athletes recognize concerns early and ensuring they have access to the pediatric experts they need when it matters most. Riley Children's Health offers comprehensive care for young athletes and families, with pediatric experts across more than 40 pediatric specialties dedicated to helping children stay healthy, active and performing their best.
If your child or teen experiences a sports-related injury, Riley Children's Health offers same-day access to pediatric orthopedic specialists through orthopedic walk-in care locations in Carmel and Fishers. For emergency care, families can access Riley Children’s 24/7 emergency medicine services at locations in Carmel, Fishers and downtown Indianapolis.
Families can also access specialized pediatric care in areas including cardiology, neurosurgery and behavioral health. Explore our complete list of departments and programs.
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