As a physical therapist working with student athletes in the Cherry Creek School District, we see firsthand how much kids love their sports, whether it’s football on a Friday night, a Saturday morning track meet, or long practices in the volleyball or baseball season. We also see how easy it is for injuries to sneak up on them.

The good news? Most of the common injuries we treat can actually be prevented with the right habits at home and on the field. As parents, you play a big role in helping your athlete stay healthy and perform at their best. Here’s what we want you to know:

Mobility Matters

Growing athletes are still figuring out their bodies. Muscles and joints can tighten up quickly, especially with repetitive sports movements like sprinting, throwing, or jumping. Simple mobility drills like dynamic lunges, hip openers, or shoulder circles can go a long way.

Football & Volleyball: Focus on hips and shoulders to protect against explosive, high-impact moves.
Baseball: Keep shoulders and elbows loose to handle all that throwing.
Track: Don’t forget hamstrings and calves, as they’re the first to complain if they’re not cared for.

Think of mobility as oiling the gears; it keeps everything moving smoothly.

Stretching: Warm-Up vs. Cool-Down

One of the biggest mistakes I see is athletes stretching the wrong way at the wrong time.

Before practice or games: Go dynamic with movements like high knees, skips, and arm swings. You want blood flowing, not static holds.
After activity: Now’s the time to slow it down. Hold stretches for 20–30 seconds to help muscles recover and stay flexible.

It’s a small shift that makes a big difference in preventing pulled muscles.

Ice vs. Heat: Which One to Use?

Parents ask me this all the time. Here’s the simple rule of thumb:

Ice = injury. If there’s swelling, redness, or a new sprain/strain, grab the ice pack.
Heat = stiffness. If your athlete just feels tight or sore, use heat before activity to loosen them up.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just knowing when to use which can prevent a little soreness from turning into something bigger.

Knowing When Pain Is a Red Flag

Every athlete will tell you they’re “just sore” because they don’t want to miss playing time. But parents can usually spot when something isn’t normal. Watch for:

Pain that lingers more than a few days
Swelling or obvious redness in a joint
A limp, or a change in throwing/swinging form
Pain that shows up at night or while resting

If you notice any of these, it’s time to get it checked. Catching injuries early is always easier than waiting until they become a bigger deal.

Long-Term Success Starts Now

Helping your athlete take care of their body isn’t just about this season. It’s about protecting them for years of playing, running, and moving well. Warm-ups, stretching, strength work, and proper recovery aren’t extras - they’re part of the game plan for a strong, healthy future.

That’s why we work with Cherry Creek athletes and their families at Moberly Physical Therapy. We want to see kids not just succeed in their sport, but walk away from it with healthy habits that last.

Parent Action Checklist

Here’s a quick guide to keep handy:

Encourage mobility drills daily - hips, shoulders, hamstrings, and calves are key.
Make sure warm-ups are dynamic and cool-downs are static stretches.
Use ice for swelling/injury and heat for stiffness/soreness.
Watch for persistent pain, swelling, limping, or form changes—don’t ignore them.
Help your athlete understand the difference between soreness and actual pain.

Helping Young Athletes Stay Healthy: What Parents Should Know