Children are not small adults – which is why they should see a pediatric sports medicine physician for sports injuries.

Whether playing sports, exercising, or having fun on the playground, sometimes children get hurt. At Shriners Children’s, we know children's bones, joints and muscles. We understand why injuries to growing bones and growth plates (the area where bones grow) need special attention.

In a growing child, growth plates are open and are the weakest part of a child's skeleton. Injuries can occur at the growth plates because of overuse, when movements are repeated over and over in that part of the body while playing.

We work hard to reduce fear and answer questions while we care for children and their families. Our goal is to get children back to what they love quickly and safely.

All appointments start with a history and physical exam. Our sports medicine doctors need to learn how an injury happened before deciding on a care plan. During the first visit, your doctor will look at the injury and test range of motion to see how well the arms or legs can move.

A child with an injury may need splinting, casting, a bone fixed, or surgery.

Radiology and rehabilitation are important for care of broken bones or injuries. X-rays or other images may be needed to help the doctor decide how to best treat the injury. On-site physical and occupational therapists work with patients and families to create custom rehabilitation plans and goals.

Because Shriners Children’s provides all care and services regardless of a family’s ability to pay or insurance status, doctors and families are able to consider every treatment option available. Learn more below about the injury related conditions we treat, who will be your partner in care and our commitment to the overall wellbeing of your child.

Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.

It is important to see a provider who is familiar with a child's bone structure, including growth plates, when examining an injury. Many of the fractures we see are subtle, but we are able to offer the careful eye of an orthopedic surgeon, all within the comfort of a children's hospital.
Lauren Hyer, M.D., Shriners Children's Greenville

Pediatric Sports Medicine at Shriners Children's

The increasing number of young athletes competing in sports-related activities has led to a rise in pediatric sports injuries, which need to be treated differently than similar adult injuries. Shriners Hospitals for Children is one of the largest networks of hospitals, medical centers and outpatient facilities in North America that specialize in pediatric orthopaedics, giving us a truly unique vantage point when it comes to evaluating and treating pediatric sports injuries in our sport injury clinics.
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Pediatric Sports Medicine at Shriners Children's
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Shriners Consortium for Outcomes, Research and Education in Sports
patient and therapist during physical therapy session

Hard Work On and Off the Field

Therapy is a main part of sports medicine care at Shriners Children’s. Our rehabilitation team's goal is to help your child get back to their favorite sports and play as quick as possible.

Innovative Treatments

View All Related Treatments

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery, also known as arthroscopy, is a procedure used to diagnose and treat joint conditions. Shriners Children's pediatric orthopedic surgeons treat a variety of conditions with this minimally invasive surgery option.

Next Steps

Request an Appointment

Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.

Log in to the Patient Portal

Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.

Refer a Patient

Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.