A Comprehensive Guide to Supporting Your Child After a Sports Injury

Expert Tips and Strategies for Sports Injury Recovery

Sports injuries are physically painful and emotionally challenging for young athletes. Parents play a crucial role in helping their child overcome the trauma of such injuries. While seeking medical treatment and following the recovery plan is essential, emotional support from parents is equally important. Today, we’ll outline some professional recommendations on how to mitigate the downsides of a sports injury.

The Negative Impact of Sports-Related Injuries

Sports injuries can have a lasting psychological impact on young athletes. Besides physical pain, being unable to play sports can lead to frustration, anger, and hopelessness. Moreover, it can negatively affect their mental health, leading to stress and anxiety, further slowing their recovery. Parents need to understand psychological factors and take steps to alleviate their impact on their child's mental and emotional well-being.

Dealing with Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can complicate the recovery process. Parents should create a calm and supportive environment. Encouraging open communication can help a young athlete express their fears and anxieties, allowing them to find ways to overcome them. Parents can also help their child by discussing positive coping mechanisms such as engaging in alternative activities, deep breathing, exploring new hobbies, or talking to a trusted family member or friend.

Being good at sports builds confidence and purpose therefore when one is injured, patience and self-worth get tested. Helping the young athlete build good habits during this time is crucial in navigating through change. For example, attending physical therapy, continue to eat nutritious foods, keeping up with schoolwork, connecting with friends etc.

“When I was 15 years old, I fractured my hand during Taekwondo and I was freaking out because I wanted to sit for my blue belt exam badly. My parents kept me in check with attending school and I worked closely with my sensei on what movements I could do for the test. Having support and guidance on how to problem solve my situation gave me motivation to persevere,” said Shalini Malasingam, LMFT with Carson Valley Health Outpatient Behavioral Health Services.

How To Expedite the Recovery Process

Parents want to ensure that their child receives proper medical attention. Following a doctor's advice can provide a quick and safe return to sports. Encouraging one’s child to adhere to the recovery plan, including rest, therapy, and exercise, is particularly vital. Making steady progress will keep an athlete motivated and optimistic, especially when faced with setbacks and challenges.

Techniques For Reducing Pain

One of the most challenging aspects of an injury is managing the pain. Parents can keep their child company, distract them from pain, talk with them, or play games. Parents can also use hot or cold compresses if prescribed by the doctor. Encouraging the child to use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or visualization can also help.

Sticking to the Recovery Plan

Parents should ensure their child follows the recovery plan strictly. They can help by keeping track of the therapy appointments, following medication schedules, and monitoring the child's progress. Creating a structured routine can help them feel secure and in control during a difficult time.

"Teaching children how to effectively recover, rehabilitate, and train after their sports' injuries develops a culture of athletes that will continue to play. The longer they can play, the better their chances are of avoiding further injuries and achieving life-long fitness" said Jillian Cachinero, PT, DPT.

Need Medical Assistance? Carson Valley Health Is Your Local Solution

Sports-related injuries can be daunting for young athletes and challenging for parents. However, with proper medical attention and emotional support, children can overcome trauma and expedite recovery. Following the expert tips and strategies discussed today can help your child manage pain, stress, and anxiety. Don’t hesitate to visit our Ironwood Urgent Care for more information! Learn more about our physical therapy options and the types of injuries supported by our Rehabilitation and Outpatient Therapy Center.

Carson Valley Health Rehabilitation and Outpatient Therapy Department offers physical therapy, speech language pathology, and occupational therapy services for the community's pediatric and teenage populations. This comprehensive team can help manage a full spectrum of sports related injuries, including muscle and ligament sprains, strains, and tears, as well as surgical preparation and rehabilitation, concussion management, fracture recovery, and soft tissue restoration. These therapies offer guidance for families to improve their child's speed of recovery to safely return to sport.

At Carson Valley Health, we care for every child's physical and emotional well-being! Contact our team today for expert healthcare services.