Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes: How to Spot the Warning Signs
At Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance, we love seeing the youth in our community participating in sports. Whether it’s the baseball diamond, soccer field, volleyball court, or swimming pool, athletics can help young athletes build confidence, strength, and lifelong skills. But as the level of competition rises, so does the risk of overuse injuries—a common issue our Doctors of Physical Therapy see in the clinic.
Unlike acute injuries (like a sprained ankle or broken bone), overuse injuries creep in gradually. They often begin as a small ache or stiffness that gets worse with time, especially when an athlete is training hard and not getting enough rest. These “nagging pains” are easy to dismiss but can grow into bigger problems if ignored.Why the Transition Matters
Why Overuse Injuries Happen
Young athletes are particularly at risk because:
Growing bodies are more vulnerable. Bones, muscles, and joints are still developing.
Repetition adds up. Swinging, throwing, running, or jumping hundreds of times per week stresses the same tissues.
Specialization starts early. Focusing on one sport year-round doesn’t give the body a chance to recover.
Warning Signs Parents and Coaches Shouldn’t Ignore
Spotting the early red flags can help prevent long-term injury:
Persistent pain during or after activity
Swelling, tenderness, or stiffness in a joint
Decreased performance (slower, weaker, less accurate)
Changes in mechanics (like limping, altered throwing form, or hesitation)
Complaints of pain at rest, not just during sports
If your athlete is saying, “It just hurts sometimes, but I can still play,” that’s your cue to pay attention. Pain may be common, but it is never normal.
Common Overuse Injuries in Youth Sports
At Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance, we frequently treat:
Little League Shoulder & Elbow (common in throwing athletes)
Patellar Tendonitis (“jumper’s knee”)
Shin Splints & Stress Fractures
Swimmer’s Shoulder
Low Back Pain from Repetitive Extension/Rotation
How Physical Therapy Can Help
A performance-based approach to physical therapy goes beyond rest. Here’s how we help young athletes recover and thrive:
Movement Assessments: Identify imbalances and faulty mechanics.
Targeted Strength & Mobility Work: Build resilience in key muscle groups.
Sport-Specific Drills: Correct technique while keeping athletes engaged.
Education: Teach athletes, parents, and coaches how to manage workload and recovery.
Early recognition and intervention are key. Overuse injuries don’t mean the end of a season—they mean it’s time to reset, recover, and rebuild.
With the right guidance, young athletes can return to their sport stronger, safer, and more confident.
At Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance, we believe in keeping athletes in the game for the long haul. If your child is showing warning signs of an overuse injury, don’t wait until it sidelines them—schedule a visit today.
