Injuries in Young Athletes: Prevention and Care Tips from Mass General Brigham Expert Young athletes face unique challenges when it comes to sports injuries. While participation in sports offers tremendous benefits for physical health, teamwork, and discipline, it also carries risks that require proper awareness and management. Dr. Giovanna Ignacio Subira Medina, MD, PhD, a pediatric sports medicine specialist at Mass General Brigham, provides expert insight into preventing and treating injuries in young athletes, drawing from her extensive experience as a former team physician for the Brazilian Olympic and Paralympic Committees and her current role with Stonehill College and local high schools. Understanding Common Injuries in Youth Sports Children and adolescents are not simply small adults when it comes to musculoskeletal health. Their growing bones, muscles, and tendons respond differently to stress, making them susceptible to specific types of injuries. According to Dr. Medina’s clinical focus at Mass General Brigham, common concerns in young athletes include anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, meniscus tears, shoulder instability (such as SLAP or Bankart lesions), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and elbow conditions particularly prevalent in throwing athletes. Growth plate injuries represent another significant concern unique to pediatric populations. These areas of developing cartilage at the ends of long bones are vulnerable to damage from repetitive stress or acute trauma, potentially affecting bone growth if not properly managed. Prevention Strategies That Work Preventing injuries begins long before an athlete steps onto the field. Dr. Medina emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to athlete care, collaborating with physical therapists, athletic trainers, nutritionists, mental health professionals, and other specialists to address the whole athlete—not just the injury. Key prevention strategies supported by sports medicine experts include: – Proper conditioning and strength training tailored to the athlete’s sport and developmental stage – Emphasis on flexibility and neuromuscular control, particularly for ACL injury prevention – Adequate rest and recovery periods to avoid overuse injuries – Proper technique coaching and equipment fitting – Monitoring pitch counts in baseball and softball to reduce elbow strain – Encouraging sport diversification rather than early specialization, which can increase injury risk Nutrition and hydration also play critical roles in injury prevention and recovery. Young athletes have heightened nutritional needs to support both athletic performance and growth, making balanced diets essential. When Injuries Occur: Timely and Appropriate Care Despite preventive efforts, injuries can still happen. Prompt recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for optimal recovery and return to play. Dr. Medina’s expertise spans both non-operative and surgical management of pediatric sports injuries, including advanced procedures such as rotator cuff repairs, knee arthroscopy, clavicle fracture management, and glenoid reconstruction (Latarjet procedure). For many injuries, initial treatment follows the PRICE principle: Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. However, professional evaluation is essential to determine the extent of injury and guide rehabilitation. Returning to activity too soon can lead to re-injury or chronic problems. Rehabilitation programs should be sport-specific and progressive, focusing on restoring strength, flexibility, balance, and sport-specific skills before clearing an athlete for full participation. Psychological readiness is equally important—athletes may experience anxiety or fear of re-injury that requires attention alongside physical healing. The Role of Specialized Pediatric Sports Medicine Treating young athletes requires specialized knowledge that general orthopedic practices may not provide. Pediatric sports medicine specialists like Dr. Medina understand the unique biomechanics of growing athletes and are trained to recognize conditions that might be missed in adult-focused settings. At Mass General Brigham, Dr. Medina treats both adult and pediatric patients, bringing her experience with elite athletes to youth sports care. Her background includes advanced training in orthopedics and sports medicine, with research focused on shoulder and elbow injuries, cartilage restoration, and injuries in throwing athletes. She is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, enabling her to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations—a valuable asset in providing accessible care. Building a Supportive Athletic Environment Beyond individual treatment, creating a safe youth sports environment involves education for coaches, parents, and athletes themselves. Recognizing warning signs of injury—such as persistent pain, swelling, changes in performance, or reluctance to participate—can lead to earlier intervention. Parents and coaches should promote a culture where reporting discomfort is encouraged rather than seen as weakness. Emphasizing fun, skill development, and long-term health over short-term competitive success helps sustain healthy athletic participation. As youth sports continue to evolve with increased intensity and year-round participation in single sports, the role of preventive care and specialized sports medicine becomes increasingly vital. By combining expert medical guidance with informed coaching and supportive families, young athletes can enjoy the benefits of sports while minimizing the risk of preventable injuries. For families seeking care for youth sports injuries, consulting with a pediatric sports medicine specialist ensures access to providers who understand the unique needs of growing athletes and can provide developmentally appropriate treatment plans.
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