Back-to-School Sports Checklist: What Young Athletes Need to Know

As summer break winds down and school sports ramp up, young athletes across Oklahoma are lacing up cleats, dusting off gear and preparing to compete. Whether your child is headed to the football field, volleyball court, or cross-country track, the transition back into high-impact athletics can come with risks—especially after a few months of downtime.

At Ortho Central, our sports medicine team sees a spike in preventable injuries every fall. The good news? With a little prep and the right guidance, your student-athlete can start strong and stay healthy throughout the season. Here’s what parents and athletes should know to make the most of their return.

How to Help Young Athletes Prepare for the School Sports Season

Getting back into the rhythm of practices and competitions most optimally requires more than just showing up on day one. Young athletes should ease into activity with light cardio, strength training, and mobility exercises to gradually rebuild endurance and coordination. Even a few weeks of consistent movement prior to the season starting can go a long way in preventing injuries when the season kicks off.

Pre-season conditioning is especially important to prepare muscles and joints for the demands of sport-specific activity. Regular stretching helps maintain flexibility, which reduces the risk of strains and sprains as intensity increases.

Sometimes it can be difficult for parents to differentiate between an injury or normal soreness from conditioning. Parents and coaches should keep an eye out for persistent symptoms such as lingering soreness, swelling, limping, or changes in how the athlete moves. Sports Medicine physician, Ted Boehm, MD, recommends that athletes follow up with a specialist when pain doesn’t improve with rest and recommends that “worsening symptoms be evaluated for injury and monitored to ensure proper healing”.

To support overall injury prevention, parents should encourage rest days, proper hydration, and well-balanced nutrition. Make sure your child’s gear fits properly, and remind them to speak up about any pain or discomfort before it becomes a bigger problem. With the right preparation and support, young athletes can head into the season strong, confident, and ready to compete.

Signs It’s Time to See a Sports Medicine Specialist

Even with the best preparation, injuries can happen. If your child experiences any of the following, it’s most likely time to schedule an evaluation:

• Pain lasting more than a few days
• Swelling or visible bruising
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty walking or participating in practice

Let Ortho Central Be Part of Your Team

Whether your athlete is prepping for varsity football or trying out for middle school cheer, Ortho Central is here to keep them safe, strong, and supported. Our team of orthopedic and sports medicine specialists offers:

• Injury evaluations and treatment
• Sports physicals
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Performance guidance for student-athletes

Let’s make this school year your athlete’s healthiest season yet.

Schedule a visit with Ortho Central today by calling 405-360-6764.