Youth Rehab: When Should Young Athletes See a Physiotherapist?
By Jeff Vela, DPT, MScPT, BKin
As a parent, you want to see your child thrive in their sport — strong, confident, and injury-free. But with growing bodies, packed schedules, and increasing competition, young athletes face unique physical challenges. Knowing when to involve a physiotherapist can make all the difference in helping your child recover from injuries, prevent future problems, and stay on track to perform at their best.
Warning Signs: When to Seek Help
Early signs of trouble can be subtle but shouldn’t be ignored. Here are a few key indicators that your child may benefit from seeing a physiotherapist:
Persistent pain during or after activity, especially if it lasts more than a few days.
Changes in movement – limping, altered running or throwing mechanics, or avoiding certain activities.
Recurring injuries – repeated sprains, strains, or pain in the same area.
Swelling, stiffness, or joint instability.
Difficulty keeping up with peers or withdrawing from sport due to discomfort.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine, early assessment and treatment of these issues are critical to avoid long-term complications, especially during periods of rapid growth.
How Physiotherapy Supports Young Athletes
Rehabilitation is not just about healing an injury — it's about building resilience. A physiotherapist trained in youth sport can:
Provide individualized recovery plans that adapt to your child’s growth stage and sport.
Address biomechanical issues or weaknesses that may lead to future injury.
Educate on proper warm-up and recovery routines.
Help safely guide the return-to-play process to avoid re-injury.
Offer injury prevention strategies, including sport-specific strength, mobility, and neuromuscular training.
Prevention Is Performance
Physiotherapy isn't just reactive — it's also proactive. A preventative assessment during preseason or after growth spurts can identify risk factors and optimize performance. Just as young athletes see coaches to improve skills, seeing a physiotherapist is an investment in their physical foundation.
Final Thoughts
If your child loves their sport, supporting their body is just as important as encouraging their passion. If something doesn’t feel right — trust your instincts and don’t wait. A timely visit to a physiotherapist can mean the difference between a short break and a long road to recovery.
Your child’s health today is the foundation of their performance tomorrow. Let’s keep them strong, safe, and doing what they love.
If you have questions about your young athlete’s pain or performance, consider booking a physiotherapy assessment with a practitioner experienced in pediatric sports medicine. Early care leads to better outcomes.
