Pediatric Sports Medicine
Our Approach to Pediatric Sports Medicine
Doctors at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital offer unique approaches to pediatric sports medicine for children and teens of all ages. We care for young athletes at every level, from seasonal athletes to elite competitors, with a range of orthopaedic conditions and sports-related injuries, including:
- Acute and overuse injuries (sprains and strains)
- Back pain
- Breathing difficulties during exercise
- Concussions
- Exercise-induced asthma
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Nutrition issues
- Obesity
Holly Benjamin, MD, our primary care pediatric sports medicine specialist — the first in Chicago — is nationally recognized for her expertise and serves as chair of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics' committee on sports medicine and fitness. She is also a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.
Our care ranges from pre-participation physicals to advanced treatment of nonsurgical sports injuries. We are experts in sports injuries affecting the shoulders, knees and ankles. Because of growth and development issues, these conditions are often more difficult to treat in children than adults.
We work closely with parents, coaches, other specialists and subspecialists to provide customized care plans to fit your child or teen’s specific needs. We can provide consultation on sports readiness, strength training and general conditioning for sports.
Why Choose UChicago Medicine for Pediatric Sports Medicine
Our pediatric orthopaedists understand the unique concerns that face young athletes and know that each patient deserves a personalized treatment plan.
Innovative Sports Medicine Therapies
Comer Children's performs the most advanced diagnostic therapies available. When surgery is needed, our pediatric sports medicine specialist and orthopaedic surgeons will assess your child’s options and recommend the best approach for your child or teen.
Expertise with Female Athletes
We provide multidisciplinary care for young female athletes at every level. We have extensive expertise in treating knee ligament injuries, a common problem in teen athletes. We also specialize in diagnosing and treating the female athlete triad, which involves disordered eating, menstrual irregularities and stress fractures.
Tailored Rehabilitation Plans
Depending on your child's diagnosis, Comer Children’s provides a comprehensive range of rehabilitation services for young athletes that you won’t find elsewhere, including bracing, guidelines for safe return to play, injury prevention and education, orthotics (shoe inserts), and physical therapy