Pediatric Sports Medicine

Kids are made to move - and sometimes that means they get hurt while doing what they love. Whether it’s t-ball, gymnastics, soccer or dance, the pediatric sports medicine experts at Banner Children’s are here to help your child recover safely and return to play. 

Our team understands that children are not just small adults. They have unique anatomy, growth patterns and injury risks that require specialized care. That’s why we provide comprehensive treatment and prevention for sports-related injuries in children and adolescents of all ages. 

When to see a pediatric sports medicine doctor 

If your child experiences pain, swelling, or an injury that limits their movement, it may be time to see a pediatric sports medicine specialist. 

We treat acute injuries from sports and play, as well as chronic or repetitive motion injuries that develop over time. 

Common reasons to see a pediatric sports medicine doctor include: 

• Sprains and strains 
• Fractures or dislocations 
• Growth plate injuries 
• Overuse injuries (such as tendonitis or stress fractures) 
• Muscle, tendon or ligament injuries 

Our goal is to help your child heal properly, prevent re-injury and regain strength and confidence. 

Conditions we treat 

Our pediatric sports medicine team has advanced training in treating a wide range of sports-related conditions, including: 

• ACL reconstruction 
• Ankle instability reconstruction 
• Arthroscopic treatment of shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle injuries 
• Hip arthroscopy for labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) 
• Concussion care 
• Meniscal repair 
• Rotator cuff repair 
• Shoulder labral repair 

In addition to injury care, we provide wellness and performance services to help your child stay healthy and active, such as: 

• Anatomical structure assessment and treatment 
• Exercise prescription and training guidance 
• Injury prevention and rehabilitation programs 
• Medical imaging and diagnostic evaluation 
• Performance and strength training 
• Sports nutrition counseling 

The importance of exercise for kids 

Physical activity is essential for healthy growth and development. Regular exercise helps children: 

• Build stronger bones, muscles and joints 
• Improve cardiovascular health and endurance 
• Develop balance, coordination and motor skills 
• Boost confidence, focus and emotional well-being 
• Learn teamwork, discipline and resilience 

Staying active helps children establish lifelong habits that support both their physical and mental health. 

Injury prevention programs 

Select Banner Children’s locations offer youth injury prevention programs designed to reduce the risk of sports injuries before they occur. 

These programs include: 

• Motion analysis: Assessing technique and form to prevent future injury 
• Collaboration with coaches: Working with local schools and community teams to improve training and safety 
• Education for young athletes: Teaching proper conditioning, stretching and recovery strategies 

By identifying risky movements early, our specialists help kids perform better and stay in the game longer. 

Sports physicals for young athletes 

Before each sports season, it’s important for your child to have a sports physical to ensure they’re healthy and ready to participate safely. 

During a sports physical, your child’s provider will check: 

• Weight, blood pressure and pulse 
• Posture, strength and flexibility 
• Joint movement and range of motion 
• Heart, lungs and abdomen 
• Vision, hearing, nose and throat 

This evaluation helps identify any health issues that may affect performance, adjust medications if needed and offer guidance on preventing injury. 

Sports physicals are also a great opportunity to talk with your child’s doctor about training, nutrition and recovery habits that support long-term health. 

Sports physicals are offered at Banner Urgent Care locations. 

Why choose Banner Children’s for pediatric sports medicine 

At Banner Children’s, we combine medical expertise with a passion for helping kids thrive. Our pediatric sports medicine team includes orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, athletic trainers and rehabilitation specialists who work together to support your child’s recovery and performance goals. 

We provide: 

• Specialized care tailored to growing bodies 
• Comprehensive rehabilitation focused on safe return to play 
• Preventive education for families, athletes and coaches 
• Collaborative care across Banner Health’s pediatric network 

We’re here to help your child heal quickly, play safely and build confidence both on and off the field. 

Find care for your young athlete 

Whether your child needs treatment for an injury or a sports physical before the next season, Banner Children’s is ready to help.