Sports Medicine Program

St. Louis Children's Hospital, in conjunction with the Washington University Department of Orthopedic Surgery, administers its Sports Medicine Program using a multidisciplinary approach, which aides in the recovery of injured athletes. A full range of rehabilitation and physical therapy programs helps an athlete recover from an injury or illness.

Program highlights

• Whether your child needs rehabilitation after a knee or ankle injury or after surgery, physical therapists -- under the direction of fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons -- design individual treatments to help your child return to his or her maximum activity level, both mentally and physically. 
• Our team also provides education to prevent future injuries by teaching your child proper techniques to play safe and smart. 
• For your convenience, sports-injury rehabilitation is available at two sites in the St. Louis area -- St. Louis Children's Hospital and the Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center in Creve Coeur.
• Because of the close relationship with orthopedic surgeons from Washington University School of Medicine, the Center is able to provide your child a complete continuum of care. The affiliation with Washington University School of Medicine also offers your child all the benefits of the latest research and treatments.
• Throughout treatment at the Sports Medicine Center, therapists emphasize that the child is as much a player on the rehabilitation team as the therapists. And they take time to listen — so they know how to motivate your child. Respect for your child combined with a little fun are powerful rehabilitation tools.

Treatments offered

One form of treatment offered is isokinetic strength testing, which marks the phases of rehabilitation to help determine if your child is ready for the next phase. 

In conjunction with rehabilitation, St. Louis Children's Hospital staff can also fabricate custom orthotic shoe inserts to treat knee pain and ankle sprains.

During the end phase of rehabilitation, your child will receive individual plyometric training, which is a form of power training. This includes performing an activity — such as jumping with a weighted ball — to maximize your child's ability when he or she returns to sports. Plyometrics helps increase an athlete's ability to jump higher and longer, throw an object farther and sprint faster.

Home care

An important part of treatment includes parents. Since insurance may only allow a few treatments at the Center, home follow-up is critical for your child's full recovery. Therapists will teach you how to work with your child for a healthier, injury-free future.