More than 38 million children and young adults participate in organized sports in the Unites States each year, with even more taking part in recreational activities. While keeping children physically fit and healthy is important, safety is a major issue, as about 3.5 million children (ages 14 and under) are injured playing sports each year, according to statistics from Safe Kids and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The most common types of sport-related injuries in children are sprains, muscle strains, bone or growth plate injuries, repetitive motion injuries, and heat-related illness. Children are also at risk for traumatic brain injuries (TBI), with nearly 2 out of 5 TBIs in children occurring as a result of participation in sports.
The Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention (STOP) campaign was initiated in 2007 by the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) to conduct public outreach initiatives on the importance of sports safety. Together with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and SAFE Kids USA, STOP aims to raise awareness and provide education on injury reduction and the importance of playing smart to create a lifelong love of exercise and healthy activity. STOP offers great resources for parents, coaches, and youth looking for more information about preventing sports injuries and even provides tip sheets tailored to specific sports from expert sources.
At Advanced Wellness, we often treat patients suffering from sports-related injuries caused by overuse or acute trauma of a part of the body. Accidents, poor training practices or improper gear can all lead to these sorts of injuries. While rest and ice may be sufficient treatment for minor injuries, more often than not, medical attention is necessary.
The team at Advanced Wellness offers a unique approach that focuses on treating the symptoms of sports injuries. If you or your child is suffering from a sports related injury, please call us today at 732-984-9567 to schedule an appointment.
For more information about Advanced Wellness, please visit our website.
