Sports Medicine Expertise for Bone, Muscle and Joint Conditions
Our pediatric sports medicine specialists at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s provide comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions affecting young athletes. For issues and injuries related to the bones, muscles and joints, our sports medicine physicians work collaboratively with UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s orthopaedic surgeons – one of the highest ranked pediatric orthopaedics programs in the country. Together, our skilled team of sports doctors provides the expertise needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment, for even the most complex sports injuries – always using the latest technologies to deliver optimal results.
Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders affect the body’s bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. These conditions often affect the body’s ability to move. For young athletes, speedy and effective diagnosis, treatment and recovery is crucial. With our depth of pediatric sports medicine expertise, we’re able to approach each condition from an athlete’s perspective.
Comprehensive Sports Medicine Care for All Sports Injuries
We have an entire team of sports medicine experts dedicated to the treatment and prevention of sports-related injuries for young athletes. Some of the conditions we treat include:
- Acute injuries like sprains and strains, muscle strains, shoulder and knee injuries and fractures
- Overuse injuries like tendinitis, stress fractures and back pain
- Growth plate injuries
- Mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) and other head injuries
- Chronic illness or acute illness that can affect athletes, such as infectious mononucleosis, asthma or diabetes
Whenever possible, we heal sports injuries without surgery. Non-surgical treatment options for most common sports injuries often include observation, rest, stretching and pain management. If surgery is required, our sports physicians have extensive experience in minimally invasive procedures. This results in less pain and a speedier recovery for young athletes.
Level I Pediatric Trauma Team Specially Trained in Growth Plate Injuries
As Cleveland’s only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, we offer convenient access to world-class trauma care, close to home. Our fracture and trauma team treats injuries such as:
- Abdominal injury
- Bone fractures
- Head injuries
- Injuries to multiple parts of the body
- Life-threatening trauma
- Multiple long bone fractures
- Spinal injuries
- Sports injuries
Sports-related traumas can involve bone fractures, including the most complex fractures. Our trauma team is specially trained in growth-plate injuries which affect the layer of growing tissue near the end of a child’s bones. We take great care to prevent any permanent growth issues due to a complex fracture. We work closely together to help children recover safely and quickly, so they can return to play the sports and participate in the activities they love.
Sports Specialization in Hand and Upper Extremity Injury
Sports injuries affecting the hand and upper extremities are very common. This includes the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders. Because this part of the body is so important for motor function and quality of life, especially among young athletes, highly specialized expertise in pediatric sports medicine is essential. Some of the sports injuries we treat include:
- Broken forearm
- Hand fracture
- Overuse injuries
- Rotator cuff injury
- Shoulder dislocations
- Shoulder instability
- Sprains and strains
- Wrist fracture
Our orthopaedic surgeons work closely with other pediatric specialists to provide comprehensive care, including personalized physical and occupational rehabilitation.