Participating in youth sports is an excellent way for children to learn new skills, build friendships and stay active. However, injuries are a common occurrence in sports, and it's essential to know how to deal with them. As a parent, your child's health and wellbeing are your top priority, and knowing how to handle sports-related injuries can be challenging. In this blog post, we will discuss three key points to help parents of youth athletes deal with sports-related injuries.
1. Finding the Right Allied Health Professional
This is essential when dealing with sports-related injuries. Allied health professionals are trained to diagnose, treat and manage musculoskeletal injuries. They can help determine the severity of the injury, provide a treatment plan, and advise on the best course of action for your child.
When choosing an allied health professional, it's important to find someone who specialises in sports injuries. Consider factors such as their experience, qualifications, and reputation. You can also ask for referral from other parents and coaches who have had experience dealing with sport injuries.
2. Setting Mini Goals to Ensure Progress Is Being Made
After an injury, it can be challenging for youth athletes to return to their sport. Setting mini goals can help ensure that your child is making progress towards returning to play.
These goals can be as simple as being able to walk without crutches, increasing their range of motion, or completing a specific exercise. Setting mini goals not only helps your child focus on their recovery, it also provides them a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
3. Supporting Your Athlete's Mental Health as a Coach/Parent
Injuries can take a toll on a youth athlete's mental health.
As a coach or parent, it's essential to look out for signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and provide a safe space for them to express themselves.
You can also help your child stay connected with their team by attending practices and games, or by providing them with other opportunities to stay involved with their teammates. Remember, returning to play after an injury can be stressful, and it's crucial to support your child's mental health during this time.
What We've Experienced at Inner Athlete
We've seen first-hand the effects of a significant injury on a young athlete. One of our swimmers had a knee injury which required surgery and a couple of months out of the pool. The news was obviously tough to hear and for someone who was swimming 8+ sessions a week plus gym, the inactivity was a substantial roadblock.
Working alongside a trusted allied health professional, we were able to formulate a return to swim plan which included milestones for the athlete to hit at each stage. Being a competitive individual, we knew that the milestones would encourage the athlete to continue coming in and working just as hard on rehab as they do in the pool. After months of work, the athlete has just returned to competition and is hoping to qualify again for nationals in a couple of weeks.
The Final Word
Dealing with sports-related injuries can be challenging for both parents and youth athletes. However, by following these tips, you can help your child find the right healthcare professional, set mini goals to track their progress, and support their mental health during the recovery process.
Safety should always be a top priority in youth sports, and it's important to take the necessary precautions to prevent injuries. If your child does get injured, take the time to focus on their recovery and provide them with the support they need to return to play successfully.
For more information on strength and conditioning for youth athletes and increasing your sports performance, check out our website and podcast (available on Spotify and YouTube).
Matt Hucul
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Inner Athlete - Bayside's premium strength and conditioning coaching for youth athletes
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