Course Description:

Running is a component of training or competition for nearly all sports. Therefore, running-related injuries, or the return to running following injury or surgery is critical for athletes. Youth athletes who are high school age or younger have unique physical, psychological, and athletic considerations that must be considered for effective injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return to sport. Youth athletes undergoing growth and development are simultaneously experiencing escalations in sport competitiveness and training intensity. The contemporary youth sport culture in the United States produces challenges for sports medicine clinicians. This course will provide pragmatic, informed guidance to physical therapists, athletic trainers, physicians, and other sports medicine clinicians who provide care for youth athletes in sports requiring running. Informed by real-world experience with a Wisconsin high school track & field team, this course will provide realistic, evidence-based guidance in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return to sport. The course will focus on the most common youth sport injuries. Specific instruction in running mechanics and running gait interventions will provide attendees with effective, easy to implement strategies for distance running, sprinting, and change of direction. Recommendations to effectively collaborate with team coaches, athletic trainers, athletes, parents, and other providers for multi-sport athletes will be provided throughout the presentation.