For many young athletes, summer is a season filled with sports camps, tournaments, and team practices. It’s also a time when sports injuries are on the rise. Whether your child plays soccer, baseball, football, or runs track, their growing bodies are at a higher risk for strains, sprains, and more serious injuries.
At Midlothian Medical and Sports Center, we’re passionate about helping young athletes stay healthy, recover faster, and build strength for long-term success. Let’s take a closer look at the five most common sports injuries in young athletes and how to help prevent them.
Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent injuries in youth sports. Quick stops, sudden turns, or awkward landings can easily twist the ankle, stretching or tearing the ligaments.
Prevention Tips:
Knee injuries like ACL tears or patellar tendinitis are becoming increasingly common in young athletes, especially those involved in sports that involve jumping or pivoting, such as basketball or soccer.
Prevention Tips:
Pain along the shin bone, often referred to as shin splints, is common in runners and athletes who increase their training intensity too quickly. It’s a sign the muscles and bones are overstressed.
Prevention Tips:
Overhead movements in sports like baseball, volleyball, and swimming can lead to shoulder strains, rotator cuff injuries, or instability, especially in younger athletes who are still developing.
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Perhaps the most concerning category of injuries in young athletes, overuse injuries develop slowly over time due to repetitive stress on a specific part of the body. These can include stress fractures, tendonitis, and growth plate injuries.
Prevention Tips:
Ignoring pain or pushing through discomfort can lead to long-term damage, especially in growing athletes. At Midlothian Medical and Sports Center, we use functional physical therapy and sports medicine to assess the root cause of injury and help your child recover the right way.
Through personalized treatment plans, mobility training, and strength-building exercises, our team helps athletes return to sport safely and stronger than before. We also focus on prevention, empowering young athletes to better understand their bodies, move with proper mechanics, and avoid future injuries.
Summer should be about making memories, not missing games due to injury. Whether your child is experiencing early signs of strain or recovering from a sports injury, Midlothian Medical and Sports Center is here to help.
Our team is experienced in pediatric and teen sports injury care, with services including functional PT, injury prevention training, and tailored recovery programs.
Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and stay active, but it’s also one of the most common seasons for sports-related injuries. Whether you’re hitting the pickleball court, joining a recreational league, or just running with friends, warm weather activities can quickly turn into setbacks if your body isn’t properly prepared. At Midlothian Medical and Sports Center, our physical therapists see a rise in injuries every summer, many of which could have been prevented with the right preparation and awareness.
In this post, we’ll break down the most common summer sports injuries, why they happen, and how to prevent them so you can stay in the game all season long.
Hot weather can cause dehydration, fatigue, and muscle cramps, all of which make you more prone to injuries. Add in longer days, intense workouts, or jumping back into a sport after months off, and it’s no surprise that your risk increases.
Common reasons for summer injuries include:
Some of the most frequent injuries we see during the summer months include:
1. Sprains and Strains
Ankle sprains, pulled hamstrings, and strained calf muscles are extremely common, especially during running, soccer, or tennis.
2. Tendonitis
Overuse of certain joints, such as in baseball, golf, or swimming, can cause painful inflammation of the tendons.
3. Shin Splints
Runners and walkers often deal with shin splints, which result from a sudden increase in activity or improper footwear.
4. Rotator Cuff Injuries
Throwing sports and water activities can strain the shoulder muscles, leading to tears or chronic discomfort.
5. Heat-Related Muscle Cramps
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can cause muscles to seize up during or after intense activity in the heat.
The best way to deal with an injury is to prevent it altogether. Here are some simple but effective tips from our physical therapy team:
1. Warm Up and Stretch First
Don’t skip a warm-up. Five to ten minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretching prepares your muscles and joints for movement.
2. Hydrate Before, During, and After
Dehydration increases your risk of cramps and fatigue. Always drink water before activity and continue sipping throughout.
3. Ease Back Into Activity
If you’ve been less active during the spring, don’t jump into high-intensity workouts. Start slow and gradually increase the intensity.
4. Use Proper Footwear
Old or unsupportive shoes are a leading cause of knee and foot injuries. Make sure your shoes are activity-appropriate and fit well.
5. Listen to Your Body
Pain, fatigue, or discomfort are signs to stop. Rest when needed and avoid pushing through pain, which can lead to more serious injuries.
If you suffer a minor injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) can help reduce swelling and discomfort. However, if your symptoms persist beyond a few days, or if you notice limited mobility, swelling, or sharp pain, it’s time to see a professional.
Our physical therapists at Midlothian Medical and Sports Center specialize in diagnosing and treating sports injuries. Through functional physical therapy, we can address not just your pain, but the root cause, helping you recover stronger and smarter.
Unlike traditional therapy that only treats the injured area, Functional PT focuses on improving your overall movement patterns, strength, and mobility. This whole-body approach speeds up healing and reduces the risk of re-injury. Whether you’re an athlete or simply enjoy staying active, we tailor your recovery plan to your goals, fitness level, and lifestyle.
Our team uses functional diagnostics to assess how your body moves, then develops a personalized program that includes targeted exercises, hands-on treatment, and education to prevent future issues.
Summer is a time to enjoy movement, not suffer setbacks. With the right strategies and guidance, you can avoid common injuries and make the most of the season. If you’re recovering from an injury or want to improve your mobility and performance, our physical therapy team is here to help.
Schedule an appointment with Midlothian Medical and Sports Center today and let us help you move better, feel stronger, and stay injury-free this summer.
Summer is the perfect time to get outside, stay active, and enjoy your favorite sports. But while longer days and warmer weather encourage more physical activity, they also bring a rise in sports-related injuries. From weekend warriors to seasoned athletes, no one is immune to summer injuries if proper precautions aren’t taken. At Midlothian Medical and Sports Center, our team of experts specializes in Functional Physical Therapy, a hands-on approach to healing and recovery that helps patients return to pain-free movement safely and efficiently.
The combination of heat, increased activity, and inconsistent training routines makes summer a prime time for injuries. Whether it’s a sprained ankle from a pickup basketball game, shoulder strain from swimming, or lower back pain from golfing, these injuries can put a halt to your plans and disrupt your routine.
Some of the most common summer sports injuries we see include:
The good news? Many of these injuries are preventable with the right knowledge, conditioning, and care.
Unlike traditional physical therapy that may focus primarily on the injured area, Functional PT takes a more holistic approach. It doesn’t just treat the symptoms, it identifies the root cause of pain and movement limitations. Our physical therapists use functional diagnosis to evaluate how well you move and identify areas of weakness, imbalance, or improper form that may be contributing to injury.
This is especially important during the summer, when increased outdoor activity puts additional stress on muscles, joints, and connective tissue. Functional PT helps improve strength, flexibility, and stability so your body can handle physical demands more safely.
Functional PT isn’t just for recovery, it’s a powerful tool for injury prevention. Here’s how:
Here are a few key reminders our team at Midlothian Medical and Sports Center shares with patients every summer:
If you’re feeling pain that lasts more than a couple of days, or if your movement feels limited or off, it’s time to get a professional evaluation. Our Functional PT program can help you regain strength, correct underlying issues, and avoid future injuries.
We work with athletes of all ages and skill levels, as well as anyone who wants to enjoy a more active lifestyle this summer without the setbacks of injury.
Don’t let a preventable injury sideline your summer fun. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to stay ahead of one, Functional Physical Therapy at Midlothian Medical and Sports Center can help you move better, feel better, and stay in the game.
Whether you're a competitive athlete, a gym rat, or someone who just enjoys staying active, injuries can happen. When they do, proper rehab is the key to getting back in the game stronger and smarter than before.
At Midlothian Medical and Sports Center, we help athletes of all levels recover through non-surgical, functional-based rehab programs that treat the whole body, not just the injury. Our expert-led approach focuses on healing, mobility, and performance, so you can return to doing what you love without unnecessary setbacks.
When an athlete experiences a strain, sprain, tear, or overuse injury, it’s not just about healing the damaged area. It’s about restoring full movement, strength, and control, while also preventing re-injury. Too many athletes rush recovery or overlook underlying movement issues that contributed to the injury in the first place.
That’s where sports injury rehabilitation comes in. It not only speeds up healing but also helps:
What Makes Our Approach Different? Functional PT
At Midlothian Medical and Sports Center, we specialize in Functional Physical Therapy—a more advanced and involved form of traditional physical therapy.
Unlike generic treatment plans, Functional PT focuses on how your body moves as a system. It starts with a detailed functional diagnosis, where we assess movement patterns, joint function, and muscular imbalances. Then we build a custom rehab plan that not only heals the injury but improves how you move overall.
You can learn more about how Functional PT works here.
Athletes come to us for help with a wide range of injuries, including:
Whether your injury is from a sudden impact or repetitive motion, we take the time to find the root cause and build a recovery path that restores both strength and confidence.
Every athlete’s injury is different, so your rehab should be too. At your first appointment, we’ll:
You’ll also get expert guidance on when to safely return to your sport and how to stay injury-free moving forward.
How long does rehab take?
It depends on the severity of the injury and your personal recovery speed. Some athletes feel better in a few weeks, while others may need several months of guided therapy.
Can I train during rehab?
Yes, under supervision. Our therapists will modify your routine so you stay strong without risking further injury.
Is surgery ever necessary?
In some cases, surgery may be unavoidable. But many athletes recover fully with non-surgical options like Functional PT, avoiding the downtime and risks that come with invasive procedures.
We’ve helped countless athletes recover smarter, not harder. With over 20 years of experience in Functional PT, our team knows how to treat pain at the source and build you back up safely.
Our rehab philosophy isn’t just about getting rid of pain, it’s about getting you back to full function, with the tools to stay there. We focus on what your body needs to heal, perform, and thrive.
The sooner you begin, the faster you’ll heal and the better you’ll move. With expert support and a plan designed around you, real results are within reach.
Ready to get started?
Schedule your evaluation at Midlothian Medical and Sports Center and let our Functional PT team help you move, perform, and live better. Learn more about Functional PT and how it can help your recovery.
Summer is the season of sunshine, recreation, and outdoor sports. From pick-up basketball games and beach volleyball to long bike rides and weekend tennis matches, people across all ages take full advantage of the warmer weather to stay active. But with increased activity comes an increased risk of injury.
At Midlothian Medical and Sports Center, we see a noticeable rise in sports injuries every summer. Whether you're a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, it's important to recognize the most common summer sports injuries—and more importantly, how physical therapy can play a crucial role in your recovery and prevention strategy.
In this blog, we'll break down the top 5 sports injuries to look out for this summer, offer tips for avoiding them, and explain how physical therapy can help you bounce back stronger.
Why It Happens: Quick turns, uneven surfaces, or jumping activities (like basketball or trail running) can twist the ankle awkwardly, overstretching or tearing ligaments.
Symptoms:
How Physical Therapy Helps:
Pro Tip: Always wear proper footwear, especially when hiking or playing sports on unpredictable surfaces.
Why It Happens: Summer sports like soccer, flag football, or even water skiing often involve sudden stops, pivots, or impacts that can injure the knee—especially the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).
Symptoms:
How Physical Therapy Helps:
Pro Tip: Build strength in your hamstrings and quads before starting high-impact summer sports.
Why It Happens: Swimming, tennis, baseball, and other overhead sports can place repetitive stress on the shoulder. This leads to inflammation or tearing of the rotator cuff muscles and tendons.
Symptoms:
How Physical Therapy Helps:
Pro Tip: Always warm up and stretch your shoulders before engaging in overhead sports.
Why It Happens: Not just for tennis players—anyone using repetitive wrist or arm movements (golfers, gardeners, and DIYers included) can develop this overuse injury.
Symptoms:
How Physical Therapy Helps:
Pro Tip: Use proper technique and take frequent breaks during repetitive tasks.
Why It Happens: Sprinting, jumping, or sudden acceleration (common in track, soccer, or pickup football) can overstretch or tear the hamstring muscles.
Symptoms:
How Physical Therapy Helps:
Pro Tip: Avoid jumping straight into intense workouts—gradually increase your training load.
Physical therapy is not just about rehabilitation—it’s about getting you back to doing what you love, safely and confidently. Unlike rest alone, physical therapy focuses on restoring function, preventing re-injury, and addressing underlying issues that led to the injury in the first place.
At Midlothian Medical and Sports Center, our experienced physical therapists tailor treatment plans to your unique goals, whether that’s returning to a competitive league or simply jogging pain-free at the park.
Our therapy services help with:
Q: How soon should I start physical therapy after an injury?
A: As soon as possible. Early intervention helps reduce pain, restore movement, and prevent complications.
Q: Can physical therapy replace surgery?
A: In some cases, yes. PT can improve function and reduce pain enough to avoid surgery altogether, especially with strains, sprains, and tendonitis.
Q: What if I’m not an athlete—can I still benefit?
A: Absolutely. Physical therapy is for anyone experiencing pain or limited mobility from activity, injury, or overuse.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: It depends on your injury and goals, but our therapists will create a personalized plan and keep you informed every step of the way.
Injuries can be frustrating—but they don’t have to ruin your summer. With the right care and a team of dedicated physical therapists, you can heal faster, move better, and get back to enjoying every sunny moment.
At Midlothian Medical and Sports Center, we combine advanced techniques, personalized attention, and a deep understanding of sports biomechanics to help our patients recover better and stronger than before.
Call us today to schedule your consultation or book online to start your recovery journey.
When it comes to rehabilitation and injury prevention, two terms often come up: physiotherapy and sports therapy. While they may seem similar on the surface, there are distinct differences between the two. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about which type of therapy is best suited for your needs.
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It uses a variety of techniques to help patients regain their physical abilities and improve their quality of life.
Sports therapy specifically targets athletes or individuals engaged in regular physical activity. The primary goal is to prevent injuries, rehabilitate existing injuries, and enhance athletic performance.
While both physiotherapy and sports therapy aim at improving physical health through rehabilitation techniques, they differ significantly in their focus areas and methodologies.
In summary:
Understanding these distinctions will enable better decision-making processes regarding which therapeutic approach suits best based upon individual circumstances/goals, thereby ensuring optimal outcomes achieved effectively!
