Pediatric Sports Medicine
At Inova, we understand that kids and teens are not simply small adults. They have unique needs because their bodies are still growing and developing. That is why it is important to choose a team with pediatric specialists and orthopaedic surgeons who can provide appropriate, effective care for your child.
Inova sports medicine services for children and teens
Children and teens suffer sports-related injuries, such as stress fractures, ACL tears and concussions. At our center, you and your child will find:
- Patient-centered approach: We take time to listen to our pediatric patients, talking to them about their sport, health and performance goals. We explain procedures and treatments in clear, simple language so that they can be active participants in the discussion about their healthcare.
- Injury prevention: We understand the frustration that children or teens may feel when an injury sidelines them, especially if they are working toward collegiate-level play. We work to treat injuries and overuse issues now so your child can return to play, safely and pain free.
- Range of treatments: We provide the full range of sports medicine treatments for children and teens, from medical management to orthotic devices and physical therapy to surgery, when necessary,
- Comprehensive care: We treat the child, not the injury. A variety of conditions can affect the health of children and teens, from growing pains and hormonal changes to underlying health issues such as asthma or diabetes. Our team treats children no matter what type of care they need. In addition, a neuropsychologist (a specialist in brain injury and disease) with extensive experience in sports medicine provides care for your child’s emotional and mental well being.
Sports medicine services we provide
Our primary care sports medicine physicians are board certified in family medicine and sports medicine. We use the latest research and medical technology to diagnose and treat a wide variety of growth-related conditions, overuse injuries and orthopaedic problems.
For children and adolescents, our services include:
We provide the latest tests and treatments including:
- Diagnostic ultrasound to assess musculoskeletal concerns without radiation
- Comprehensive rehabilitation through physical therapy
- Orthopaedic surgery, including minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures
- Injury prevention education
Comprehensive concussion care
Our Comprehensive Concussion Center is among only a handful of programs in the region dedicated to concussion prevention and care. Our specialists in traumatic brain injury assess, diagnose and treat concussions, as well as educate teens, parents, coaches and athletic trainers about how to decrease concussion risk.
We provide:
- Concussion treatment and prevention: Children’s brains are fragile because they are still growing. A child’s brain is more susceptible to second impact syndrome, a condition that occurs when a second concussion happens before the brain recovers fully from an initial concussion. The damage can be devastating. Our team works with your child to determine when it is safe to return to sports and other activities after a concussion.
- Inova Concussion Hotline: The Concussion Hotline at Inova provides direct access to expert guidance for suspected concussion. Sports medicine specialists will immediately answer questions and recommend next steps.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one has sustained a concussion, call our Concussion Hotline: 703-970-6427.
Read more about concussion care under Inova 
Sports medicine injury prevention and education
Education and injury prevention are important parts of treating the young athlete. We work with parents, coaches and athletic trainers to provide ongoing, well-rounded care for student athletes.
Sometimes, simply knowing when a child needs a break or a change in exercise routine can significantly improve a child’s health. We evaluate all the factors that may be contributing to injuries and pain in children and teens, including assessing the terrain they play on and whether their shoes fit properly.
Our sports medicine specialists provide injury prevention education for athletes and those that work with them. In addition, our team includes physical therapists and athletic trainers who are certified in Sportsmetrics™, a national ACL injury prevention program. Learn more about our outreach program
Make an appointment
For more information or to make an appointment, please call 703-970-6464 or schedule online.