With the return of youth sports, families are thrilled to see their kids back on the field, court, and track. But as activity ramps up, so do the risks of injury. At Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin, we believe prevention is the first step to keeping young athletes healthy and confident. If injuries do occur, our OrthoASAP walk-in clinic and in-house Physical and occupational Therapy are here to provide expert, streamlined care.
Top Injury Prevention Tips for Young Athletes
1. Warm Up the Right Way
Jumping straight into competition without preparing the body is one of the most common causes of injuries.
- Use dynamic stretches (leg swings, arm circles, light jogging) for 5–10 minutes before practices and games.
- Save static stretching (like holding hamstring or quad stretches) for cool-down.
2. Focus on Strength and Flexibility
Strong muscles support growing joints and help protect ligaments.
- Encourage age-appropriate bodyweight exercises like squats, planks, and lunges.
- Add balance training (single-leg stands, stability exercises) to reduce ankle sprains.
- Stretch regularly for flexibility, especially in hips, hamstrings, and shoulders.
3. Prioritize Proper Technique
Many overuse injuries stem from poor form.
- Coaches should reinforce correct landing mechanics when jumping.
- Throwing and swinging should be taught with progressive loads to prevent elbow and shoulder injuries.
- Remind kids to listen when their bodies feel “off”. Pain is not just a part of the game.
4. Use the Right Gear
- Shoes should be sport-specific, supportive, and replaced once worn down.
- Helmets, pads, and braces should fit correctly; improper equipment can increase injury risk.
- Water bottles should be part of the gear list, too. Hydration keeps muscles working correctly.
5. Don’t Skip Rest and Recovery
Rest is just as important as training.
- Schedule at least 1–2 rest days per week from organized sports.
- Sleep is crucial: athletes ages 12–18 should aim for 8–10 hours each night.
6. Recognize Early Warning Signs
Catching issues early prevents long recovery times later.
- Lingering joint or muscle pain after activity isn’t regular.
- Watch for swelling, reduced motion, or changes in gait.
- When in doubt, seek a professional evaluation.
When Injuries Happen: Fast Care at OrthoASAP
Even with the best preparation, accidents still happen. That’s why OAW offers OrthoASAP, our same-day orthopedic walk-in clinic. No appointment is necessary, and you’ll avoid the long wait and general care of the ER.
At OrthoASAP, young athletes have access to:
- Immediate evaluation by experienced orthopedic providers.
- On-site imaging for accurate, same-day diagnoses.
- Treatment for sprains, strains, fractures, sports injuries, and more.
OrthoASAP ensures your child gets back on track quickly with the proper care from the start.
Complete Recovery with In-House Therapy
After the initial treatment, recovery continues with our Physical & Occupational Therapy team. These specialists work hand-in-hand with OAW physicians to provide seamless follow-up care.
Our therapists help youth athletes by:
- Designing personalized rehab plans that build strength, balance, and confidence.
- Offering sport-specific therapy to guide return-to-play safely.
- Providing hand and upper extremity rehab for throwing, swinging, and catching sports.
- Using multiple convenient locations (Brookfield, Pewaukee, Germantown, New Berlin, Oconomowoc) to keep care accessible.
The OAW Advantage for Families
From the moment of injury to full return-to-sport, Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin provides:
- Immediate, specialized care at OrthoASAP.
- Expert recovery and prevention programs through our therapy team.
- Parents need peace of mind knowing their child’s care is under one roof.
Final Word: Play Hard, Play Safe
Youth sports are back—and with the right prevention strategies, your young athlete can enjoy the season while avoiding sidelining injuries. But if the unexpected happens, OAW’s OrthoASAP walk-in clinic and in-house therapy services are here to help every step of the way.
👉 Injured today? Visit our OrthoASAP walk-in clinic for same-day care.
👉 Need recovery? Learn more about our Therapy services and schedule an appointment near you.
