Preventing Sports Injuries in Student Athletes: What Parents Need to Know

As back-to-school season kicks off in the very near future, student athletes across our communities are lacing up for fall sports. Whether it's football, soccer, cross country, or field hockey, young athletes are eager to train hard and perform at their best. But with increased activity comes a higher risk of sports-related injuries—many of which are preventable with the right approach.

At Dr. Gary Parker's physical therapy offices in Greene, Whitney Point, and Sidney, we work with student athletes of all levels to help them stay strong, recover quickly, and avoid unnecessary setbacks. Here are some key things parents should know to keep their kids safe, healthy, and active this season.

1. Warm-Ups Matter More Than You Think

Jumping straight into intense activity without warming up puts stress on muscles, tendons, and joints. Encourage your athlete to take 5–10 minutes before practices or games to gradually raise their heart rate and activate key muscle groups. Light jogging, dynamic stretches (like leg swings or high knees), and mobility drills can prepare the body for performance and reduce injury risk.

2. Stretching Shouldn’t Be Skipped

Flexibility plays a critical role in preventing strains and improving range of motion. Post-practice and post-game stretching can reduce tightness and support muscle recovery. Hamstrings, quads, calves, hips, and shoulders should all be gently stretched—especially for sports with repetitive motion like running or throwing.

3. Don’t Ignore Small Aches or Pains

Many injuries start as small issues—tightness in a knee, discomfort in the lower back, or a sore ankle. These early warning signs are often overlooked until they turn into more serious conditions. If your child is experiencing consistent pain, it’s important to have them evaluated before it worsens. Physical therapy can identify the root cause and implement a personalized plan for recovery and prevention.

4. Build a Strong Foundation

Strength, stability, and balance are the cornerstones of athletic performance and injury prevention. At our offices, we offer individualized training plans that focus on core control, proper biomechanics, and sport-specific movements to help athletes move better and stay safer on the field.

5. Hydration, Nutrition, and Rest Matter Too

While not always thought of as part of injury prevention, proper hydration, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep are all crucial for performance and recovery. Make sure your athlete is fueling their body well and getting the rest they need between games and practices.

Physical Therapy Support for Student Athletes

Whether your child is recovering from an injury or wants to improve strength and prevent future issues, our team is here to help. We offer evaluations, personalized exercise programs, manual therapy, and recovery techniques that support athletes of all ages and skill levels.

📍 Greene Physical Therapy – (607) 656-4464
📍 Whitney Point Physical Therapy – (607) 692-4420
📍 Sidney Physical Therapy – (607) 563-2949

Let’s keep our student athletes strong, safe, and ready for a great season ahead!