Playing sports is a great way for children to stay fit and active. As the desire for children to participate in sports increases, so does the number of athletic injuries. St. Louis Children’s Hospital provides excellent quality of care for athletes of all ages.

To make an appointment with a pediatric physical therapist, call 314.454.5437 or 800.678.5437 or email us.

Therapy for sports injuries

Whether a child needs rehabilitation after a surgery or a minor injury, the physical therapists design individualized treatments to help a child return to his or her optimal level of functioning. Some of these injuries may include but are not limited to:

  • Ankle sprains
  • Knee injuries
  • Shoulder injuries

The staff provides education to prevent future injuries by teaching a child proper techniques to play safe and smart.

To make an appointment with a pediatric physical therapist, call 314.454.5437 or 800.678.5437 or email us.

Service highlights

  • St. Louis Children’s Hospital has one of the only pediatric sports medicine centers in St. Louis. The center's experienced team of physical therapists and physical therapy assistants blends skills in pediatrics and sports medicine to provide comprehensive rehabilitative care for a child.
  • The physical therapy staff has a close relationship with the orthopedic surgeons from the Washington University School of Medicine. This allows for the best continuity of care for a child. This affiliation also allows a child to benefit from the latest research and the staff’s high level of expertise.
  • Throughout rehabilitation, therapists emphasize the importance of teamwork. The team includes the patient, the patient’s family and the treating therapists or therapy assistants. The staff will take time to listen and respect a child’s needs in order to develop the most appropriate plan of care, and they will teach the importance of home exercises to assist a child in a full recovery.
  • During the end phase of rehabilitation, a child will be able to participate in sport-specific training. These activities may include plyometric training, isokinetic strength testing, and agility training. In conjunction with rehabilitation, the physical therapists will be able to make appropriate recommendations for joint braces, orthotic shoe inserts, or various other splints.

To make an appointment with a pediatric physical therapist, call 314.454.5437 or 800.678.5437 or email us.