At Team 4 Kids we love teaching young athletes how to build strength, power and endurance with the goal of decreasing the risk of injuries during sports.
Our body is split into 3 planes of movement the sagittal plane which allows flexion and extension, a frontal plane which allows abduction and adduction, or the movement of limbs to the side away from the midline of the body, and finally the transverse plane which allows rotation. In sports we don’t often move just right or left we move at angles. Depending on the sports athletes will run fast, stop, pivot, jump up or jump at an angle with one leg or both.
So to help prevent or decrease the chances of injuries young athletes should train for quick multi-directional movements. Each workout focuses on cardio, core, light plyo and quick dynamic movements in all directions. If your child receives an injury don’t hesitate to see your physical therapist about interventions and rehab options. Common injuries that can occur in young athletes are:
Knee injuries
– Patellar tendinitis ( jumpers knee)
– ACL and MCL
Shoulder injuries
– Tendinitis
– Dislocation
Back pain
– Low back
As a parent, I know that it’s up to all of us to be the advocate for our children and ensure they play sports
safely. When injuries occur be proactive, seek the help your child needs and avoid further damage to
their body.
–Josh ~ T.E.A.M 4 Kids Physical Therapist Assistant