Sports Therapy

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's sports medicine specialists work closely with physical and occupational therapists to provide treatment for young athletes. Our goal is to help your child return to activities healthy and strong. Therapy helps treat young athletes with sports-related injuries like:

Physical and occupational therapists are licensed health care professionals with advanced training in fitness and conditioning. They evaluate patients to learn what is causing pain or limiting their performance.

Physical therapists work with patients on stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve balance, endurance, coordination and sport-specific skills. Occupational therapists specialize in upper-body injuries. In addition, they develop exercises to help patients with the rehabilitation process after a concussion. This may include managing head and neck pain, loss of balance and vision problems.

Types of therapy

Therapies vary for each patient, but often include:

  • Strength training.
  • Flexibility and stretching.
  • Pain management.
  • Balance and coordinated movement training.
  • Home exercise programs.
  • Endurance training.

What to expect

Physical and occupational therapists work with patients in a 4,000-square-foot gym equipped with state-of-the-art therapy equipment. Therapists evaluate each patient to decide what type of therapy is needed. After the first session, the therapist develops an individualized treatment plan that includes how long and how often therapy is needed. As part of the plan, therapists talk with each family and their doctor to set goals.

Therapy programs help young athletes return to their sport or recreational activities by emphasizing:

  • Agility.
  • Balance and range of motion.
  • Endurance.
  • Mobility.
  • Coordination.
  • Speed.
  • Strength and flexibility.
  • Competitive performance.
  • Good nutrition and hydration.

Our treatment approach is based on the latest research, education, and injury care and prevention methods. Our program includes:

  • Rehabilitation of injuries that do and don't need surgery.
  • ACL rehabilitation.
  • Analysis and evaluation of walking, running, jumping and throwing mechanics.
  • Special computerized equipment to test and improve muscular strength and endurance.
  • Sport-specific rehabilitation and conditioning.

Our therapists work with doctors to determine the fastest and safest way to return to play. Talk with your doctor about how physical or occupational therapy plays a role in your child's care.

Click here for information about physical and occupational therapy appointments.