Connecticut Children's Blog

Many youth sports are returning to schools and the community this fall, which is good news for athletes who missed out last year due to COVID-19. But getting back on the field (or rink, track, court or wherever) after months off comes with a risk of injury. Overuse injuries can occur in any sport – […]

Social distancing from friends and changes to sports mean kids, teens and athletes might need help staying active this spring. It’s important for all kids to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for their heart health – and it’s important for athletes to stay active in order to prevent injury. So […]

A good warm-up prior to exercise is one of the best ways for young athletes to prevent sports injury and perform at their best, when done properly. Plus, if a child learns how to properly stretch and warm up for sports at a young age, there is a greater chance that they’ll carry that habit […]

For young athletes to get the full physical, social and emotional benefits of their sport, they need support – at minimum, from their coach, teammates and family. But sometimes, kids could also benefit from a pediatric sports medicine expert, from doctors to physical therapists. Nicholas Giampetruzzi, PT, MSPT, Connecticut Children’s lead sports physical therapist, explains […]

If your child is an athlete, they’re probably excited to resume the sports activities they love this spring – at least, as much as COVID-19 restrictions allow. But returning to play after time off comes with the risk of injury. What should you and your young athlete watch for, now and every sports season? Connecticut […]

The longer an athlete is inactive, the longer it takes for them to come back to full activity — and during the COVID-19 pandemic, kids have been inactive for months and months. So with many sports now starting back up, our pediatric sports medicine experts have been hearing one question a lot: How can youth […]

Overuse injuries can occur at all ages. But because kids are still growing, they’re at a greater risk for these types of injuries, and may need a pediatric expert to ensure they heal properly. Leanne Kidd, MSPT, a Connecticut Children’s sports physical therapist, explains what parents and young athletes should know. What is a sports […]

For eight years, every time Jordan DeMatteo stepped onto the soccer field or basketball court, she didn’t just brace herself for competition. She braced for pain. At any moment, her right kneecap could shift out of alignment, an issue she’d dealt with since age 8. It was excruciating, and it happened almost every time she […]

If your child is an athlete, it’s important to talk to them about concussions. Pediatric Sports Medicine expert Imran Hafeez, MD, shares what you need to know. 1. Concussions are common in sports. Falls and collisions during sports can cause concussions, a kind of brain injury that can be mild to more significant. Football and […]

Imagine: You are a star football player walking onto the field for the first game of your senior year. It is Friday night, and the stands are packed. You’ve already racked up three all-conference and two all-state selections in your first three years of high school; you’ve been offered multiple scholarships to play college football […]