The competition bar continues to rise. Kids are now specializing in sports year round and turning professional at record ages. However, one thing remains the same. The fact that growing bodies are particularly susceptible to overuse injuries, especially in growth plate areas. All sports can cause overuse injuries, but the most common problems come from excessive conditioning, running and contact in football, basketball, gymnastics and soccer. Overuse injuries are a serious problem for several reasons however the most important is that they are painful. They can also cause permanent injury to a growing body, especially when young athletes “play through the pain". It is important for parents, coaches and health professionals to emphasize that there is no such thing as good pain and that playing hurt can lead to further injury. Although a physician can provide the initial diagnosis and perform the surgery, it’s the therapist who works directly with the injured children on a regualr basis. Once injury has occurred, three phases of recovery exist: PHASE 1 GOAL: Control pain and inflammation- 1. Remove the athlete from the injury-causing activity, but do not allow complete inactivity. The athelte should cross-train (avoiding usage of the injured area) to maintain fitness levels and avoid de-conditioning. 2. Use cold therapy, compression and wrapping along with other modalities, such as e-stim and Ultrasound. PHASE 2 GOAL: Increase or Regain R.O.M. and Strength- 1. Gradual return to sport (walk-thru only) such as only shooting foul shots (basketball) after flexibility and muscle deficits are corrected. PHASE 3 GOAL: Gradual full return to sport- 1. Ensure that the athlete possesses correct form and biomechanics to prevent repeated injury. This may be postural, balance or the athletes gait pattern. 2. Ensure adequate flexibility and strength prior to return to sport. Growth plates are the weakest link between bone, muscle tendons, and ligaments. These are the most-common areas for injuries. Growth plates that attach to the large muscle tendons (such as the proxial tibia, the heel, elbow and pelvis) are particulary at risk.

2005 Article by Shawn J Hickling B.S. P.T.A.