Sports Medicine

Connecticut Children’s sports medicine program provides expert care for sports injuries in growing athletes, from childhood to early adulthood. Our team helps athletes recover quickly and return to their sports stronger than ever. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, a dislocation or a complex ACL injury, we address the unique needs of growing athletes and offer support every step of the way.

Connecticut Children’s offers the only sports medicine program in Connecticut with physicians who are dual fellowship trained in both pediatric orthopedics and sports medicine. Our team diagnoses and treats a full range of sports injuries using the latest techniques and equipment.

We were the first in Connecticut to perform the Bridge-Enhanced Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair (BEAR), offering innovative treatment for ACL injuries. With five walk-in and same-day clinics across the state, we make it easy for athletes to get the care they need, when they need it.
 

Our sports medicine team is skilled in treating a wide range of sports-related injuries. We help athletes recover and prevent further injury with personalized treatment plans.
Some of the most common conditions we treat include:

• Patella dislocations – Movement of the kneecap from its normal position that can cause damage to the knee.
• ACL tears – Frequent knee injuries in developing athletes, often requiring surgery for recovery.
• Meniscus tears – Cartilage injuries in the knee causing pain, swelling and instability.
• Concussions – Traumatic brain injuries that require careful management for safe recovery.
• Growth plate injuries – Common in growing athletes, requiring specialized treatment to prevent long-term complications.
• Ligament and soft tissue injuries – Sprains, strains and tears from sports like soccer, basketball and football.
• Fractures – Broken bones from sports activities that need prompt treatment and follow-up care.

We also manage overuse injuries, tendonitis and stress fractures so athletes recover quickly and safely.

Expert Care for Growing Athletes

Connecticut Children’s sports medicine program is designed to meet the unique needs of developing athletes, from age 10 through college. Sports injuries in children and teens are different from those in adults. 
 

If your child or teen has sustained a sports-related injury, seek care if they experience persistent pain, swelling, difficulty moving or joint instability. Our sports medicine doctors diagnose the issue and create a personalized treatment plan to get them back in the game.

Recovery After a Sports Injury

Recovery times vary depending on the type of injury. Our team develops a recovery plan that includes physical therapy, pain management and strategies for safely returning to sports. Some injuries may require several weeks of rest, while others may need surgery or more intensive rehabilitation.

Pain Management and Post-Surgical Care

For athletes who require surgery, such as for an ACL or meniscus tear, our team provides comprehensive post-surgical care, including pain management and physical therapy. We offer a variety of pain relief options, including medications and non-medical techniques like ice therapy and guided exercises.