Back-to-School, Back-to-Sports: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Student Athletes Healthy
September doesn’t just mean new teachers, fresh notebooks, and earlier mornings — it also marks the start of fall sports. For many kids, the excitement of joining their team again, chasing personal records, and competing under the lights is the highlight of the school year.
But while sports offer incredible benefits — teamwork, discipline, confidence, and physical fitness — they also come with risks. Each year, millions of student athletes experience injuries that could have been prevented or minimized with the right care.
At Repsher Physical Therapy, we see the same patterns every fall, and we’re here to help parents and athletes understand how to stay strong, safe, and injury-free this season.
Why Injuries Spike in the Fall
Back-to-school season creates a perfect storm for sports injuries:
Sudden Increase in Activity – Kids often go from a slower summer routine to daily practices and games.
New Demands on the Body – Different sports require new movement patterns and muscle groups.
Competition Pressure – Athletes may try to push through pain or fatigue to secure a spot on the team.
Busy Schedules – Late nights, early mornings, and limited downtime can cut into recovery.
This combination can leave even strong, motivated athletes vulnerable to strains, sprains, and overuse injuries.
The Most Common Fall Sports Injuries
While each sport has unique risks, we frequently see:
Sprains and Strains: Twisted ankles, pulled hamstrings, and sore shoulders top the list.
Shin Splints: A common issue for runners, cross-country athletes, and soccer players increasing mileage too quickly.
Knee Injuries: ACL or meniscus injuries are more common in sports with jumping, cutting, or quick changes in direction.
Shoulder Pain: Overhead sports like volleyball and football put stress on the shoulders.
Concussions: A serious concern in football, soccer, and any contact sport.
Prevention Starts Before the Whistle Blows
You don’t have to wait for an injury to happen before seeing a physical therapist. With proper guidance, many issues can be prevented. Here are five strategies we recommend to every family:
1. Warm Up the Right Way
A quick jog and static stretching isn’t enough. Athletes should focus on dynamic warm-ups like high knees, lunges, and shuffles to prepare the body for explosive movements.
2. Build Strength and Stability
Strong muscles — especially in the core and hips — protect joints from injury. Even 15–20 minutes of bodyweight training a few times a week can reduce the risk of knee and ankle injuries.
3. Respect Recovery
Young athletes are still growing, which means their bodies need even more time to rest and rebuild. Encourage at least one full rest day each week and prioritize 8–10 hours of sleep per night.
4. Fuel and Hydrate Properly
Performance starts in the kitchen. Balanced meals with protein, complex carbs, fruits, and vegetables provide energy and repair muscles. Staying hydrated before, during, and after practices prevents fatigue-related injuries.
5. Pay Attention to Pain
There’s a difference between soreness and pain. If your child complains of pain that doesn’t go away after a day or two of rest, it’s time to get it checked out. Ignoring early warning signs often leads to bigger problems.
How Physical Therapy Supports Student Athletes
At Repsher Physical Therapy, we take a proactive approach to sports health. We help athletes:
Recover from injuries quickly and safely.
Improve movement mechanics to avoid re-injury.
Strengthen weak areas that may be limiting performance.
Build confidence so they can return to their sport without fear.
We also work closely with parents and coaches to create a safe training environment that balances performance with long-term health.
Setting Student Athletes Up for Success
Sports should be a source of joy, confidence, and growth — not anxiety about injury. By focusing on prevention, smart training, and early care, student athletes can enjoy all the benefits of competition while staying healthy throughout the season.
If your child is dealing with nagging pain, recovering from an injury, or you simply want to take a proactive approach to their sports performance, Repsher Physical Therapy is here to help.
📅 Schedule a consultation today and give your student athlete the best start to their school year — strong, confident, and ready to play.
