Sports Injuries in Kids (Ages 3–18)
Children love to move — running, jumping, climbing, and playing sport. But with active play also comes the risk of injury. Whether it’s a sprained ankle from soccer, knee pain from basketball, or a sore back from gymnastics, early assessment and the right care help kids recover faster and return safely to their activities.
At Lion Rocker Health, we assist injured children, supports recovery, minimise risk of recurrence and speed up return to sports.
Common Sports Injuries in Children
Kids and teens experience different types of injuries compared to adults because their bones, muscles, and growth plates are still developing. Some common conditions include:
- Ankle sprains
- Knee ligament sprains (including ACL injuries)
- Osgood–Schlatter disease
- Sever’s disease (heel pain)
- Muscle strains
- Wrist and hand injuries
- Stress fractures
- Shoulder overuse injuries (e.g., swimmers, throwers)
- Lower back pain from overload or poor technique
Our Approach to Managing Sports Injuries in Kids
We use a kid‑friendly, evidence‑based and team‑focused approach to help your child recover quickly and confidently:
- Early assessment to identify the exact cause of pain
- Reduced pain and swelling through targeted treatment
- Restoring mobility and strength
- Preventing recurrence through load management and technique correction
- Safe, graduated return‑to‑sport plan
How Our Team Helps
Physiotherapy for Sports Injuries in Children
- Assessment of joint, muscle, and movement issues
- Hands‑on treatment including mobilisation, soft tissue release, and taping
- Interventional therapies such as shockwave (age‑appropriate) and therapeutic ultrasound
- Technique correction and sport‑specific rehabilitation
- Return‑to‑play guidance and load management
Podiatry for Growing Feet and Lower Limb Pain with Sports
- Specialised assessment of foot posture and lower limb alignment
- Management of sports injuries such as Sever’s disease, shin splints, flat feet, and ankle instability
- Custom orthotics where needed to support growing feet during and outside of sports
- Prescription of sport‑appropriate footwear
Exercise Physiology
- Strength and conditioning programs for young athletes
- Tailored exercise plans to support recovery and prevent future injuries
- Movement retraining to improve coordination and reduce overload
Remedial Massage Therapy
- Gentle soft tissue therapy to reduce tightness and muscle soreness
- Myofascial release for active kids with high workloads
- Support for recovery during peak training periods
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
It varies depending on conditions. Some guidelines to seek help if your child experiences:
- Pain that lasts more than 48 hours
- Limping or favouring one side
- Swelling, bruising, or difficulty bearing weight
- Pain that returns every time they play sport
- Reduced strength or flexibility
- “Growing pains” that are persistent or worsening
- Concerns about technique, posture, or repeated injuries
Early intervention prevents small issues from becoming long‑term problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do kids recover faster than adults?
In many cases, yes — but they also have growth plates that can be injured, so proper assessment is essential.
2. Can my child keep playing sport while injured?
Sometimes. It depends on the injury. Our team will advise whether modified training is safe.
3. Do all kids with sports injuries need imaging?
Not always. Most soft tissue injuries can be diagnosed clinically. Imaging is only recommended when necessary.
4. Is pain in growing children normal?
Some discomfort from growth spurts is normal, but persistent or activity‑related pain should be assessed.
5. Do they need an orthotic?
Only if clinically indicated — many children improve with strengthening and load management alone.
6. How long will recovery take?
Simple injuries recover in 2–4 weeks, while more complex or severe injuries may take longer. We tailor recovery plans to each child.
7. Do I need a GP referral?
No referral is needed unless claiming through Medicare (CDMP). We accept private bookings.
Get the right help for your Sports Injuries in Kids
If your child has been injured during sport, early care helps them return faster, safer, and stronger.