What You Can Do When Your Child Gets Injured

As a parent, have you ever wondered what you would do if your child got injured during sports? Whether they’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, injuries can feel overwhelming for both you and your child. 

As a parent, knowing how to navigate the recovery process is crucial to ensure they heal properly and return to their sport stronger than ever.

Here’s how you, as a parent, can be the strongest ally in your child’s recovery journey.

Stay Calm and Supportive

When your child gets injured, it can be tough to remain calm, but it’s essential. The initial reaction can set the tone for their recovery. Whether it’s a minor sprain or something more serious, maintaining a supportive and composed attitude can ease their fears and frustrations.

Here are the benefits for your child when parents are calm and supportive.

• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Improved focus on healing
• Promotes a positive attitude
• Prevents emotional burnout
• Strengthened family bonds

Instead of immediately focusing on the negatives—such as missed practices or competitions—remind them that injuries are part of being an athlete and that recovery is just as important as training. 

Get a Proper Diagnosis

It’s important to get a thorough diagnosis to understand the extent of the injury. While some injuries can heal with rest, others may require more in-depth treatment such as physical therapy, surgery, or rehabilitation. Avoid relying solely on guesswork or advice from fellow parents or coaches. Instead, take your child to a sports medicine specialist or a physical therapist with experience in athletic injuries.

Here’s why it’s so important to make sure you find the right clinic for your child’s recovery journey:

1. Expertise and Specialization
2. Personalized Treatment Plans
3. State-of-the-Art Equipment and Facilities
4. Holistic Approach
5. Patient Education
6. Consistent Communication

If you want to know how to find the right clinic for your child athlete, check this blog we have on How To Find The Right Physical Therapist For An Athlete

Encourage Rest and Recovery

Young athletes are often eager to get back to their sport, but rushing the recovery process can worsen the injury. Encourage your child to follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations, which may include rest, rehabilitation exercises, and restrictions on physical activity.

Here’s why rest and recovery is important for your child during this time:

1. Prevents further injury
2. Supports proper healing
3. Reduces long-term damage
4. Boosts energy for rehabilitation
5. Improves mental focus

Help them see the value in taking the time to fully heal. Rest isn’t just about staying off the injured area—it’s about giving the body the time it needs to rebuild and come back stronger. Check out this blog we have about the Least Expensive & Most Underutilized Recovery Tactic that will help your child. 

Focus on Nutrition and Hydration

Recovery isn’t just about what happens on the physical therapy table—it’s also about what happens at the dinner table. Ensure your child is properly hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals that promote healing. Foods like lean meats, leafy greens, and fruits high in vitamin C can help with tissue repair and help reduce inflammation.

Here’s why proper nutrition and hydration are important for your child.

1. Aids in muscle repair
2. Reduces inflammation
3. Strengthens the immune system
4. Promotes energy levels
5. Improves recovery speed

Stay Involved in Their Recovery Plan

As a parent, you can play an active role in your child’s rehabilitation by staying involved in their recovery plan. Make sure they’re keeping up with their physical therapy exercises and attending all medical appointments. Set a routine that keeps them focused on their recovery, but be mindful not to overwhelm them. Celebrate small milestones and encourage them when progress feels slow.

Here’s why your support and involvement are helpful to your child:

1. Increases adherence to therapy
2. Helps track progress
3. Boosts confidence:
4. Allows for necessary adjustments
5. Builds a team mindset

If you are looking for things you can do while waiting for your child PT session check out this blog that we have about Things Parents Can Do While Waiting For Their Child’s PT Session

Monitor Their Mental Health

Physical injuries can take a toll on your child’s mental health. Athletes often experience anxiety, frustration, or even depression when sidelined due to an injury. Open a line of communication with your child, and encourage them to express how they’re feeling emotionally. It’s important for them to know that their feelings are valid and that recovery isn’t just physical—it’s mental too.

Here’s why you should keep an eye out for your child’s mental health too:

1. Promotes emotional resilience
2. Reduces the risk of anxiety or depression
3. Improves recovery motivation
4. Enhances overall well-being
5. Strengthens parent-child connection

At Myokinetix, we understand the psychological impact of injuries, and we work to address both the physical and mental aspects of rehabilitation.

Reinforce Positive Habits for Future Injury Prevention

Once your child has recovered, it’s important to prevent re-injury by reinforcing positive habits. Make sure they warm up properly before activities, maintain strength and flexibility through conditioning exercises, and follow their coach’s instructions to avoid unnecessary risks.

Here’s why positive habits are extremely important for your child:

1. Instills lifelong injury-prevention practices
2. Improves athletic performance
3. Reduces the likelihood of re-injury
4. Builds a foundation for long-term health
5. Boosts confidence in sports

Encourage them to listen to their body and rest when necessary. It’s also a good idea to schedule regular check-ups with a physical therapist, even if they’re not injured, to identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to future injuries.

Check out our blog about The Crucial Role of Parental Health for Child Well-being so you can keep on the right side of track on your child’s recovery and wellbeing. 

Conclusion

As a parent, helping your child recover from an injury is about more than just physical healing—it’s about providing emotional support, fostering healthy habits, and staying actively involved in their overall wellness. By being an informed and engaged part of their recovery team, you’re setting them up for long-term success both on and off the field.

At Myokinetix Physical Therapy and Performance, we’re here to help you and your child every step of the way. From the initial diagnosis to a personalized recovery plan, our comprehensive care is designed to get young athletes back to doing what they love, safely and effectively. Our goal is to ensure that every athlete we work with recovers fully, learns how to prevent future injuries, and continues to excel in their sport. Let us support your child’s athletic journey—because thriving is what we do best.

Book a call with us today and discover how we can help your child thrive and get back to the field!