Sports Injuries in Teen Athletes: When to Push and When to Pause

In today’s competitive sports culture, teenage athletes are training harder and younger than ever before. Whether it’s year-round club teams, school sports, or private coaching, the pressure to perform can be intense—not just for athletes, but for parents and coaches too.

But when pain sets in, how do you know if it’s just “part of the game” or a warning sign that something’s not right? At Puckett Physical Therapy, we believe in helping athletes play smarter—not just harder. That means knowing when to push through discomfort and when to pump the brakes.

Common Sports Injuries in Teen Athletes

The adolescent body is still growing and changing, which makes it especially vulnerable to certain types of injuries. Some of the most common include:

• Overuse injuries (e.g., shin splints, tendonitis, stress fractures)
• Growth plate injuries
  
• ACL and meniscus tears
  
• Sprains and strains
  
• Shoulder impingement and instability (especially in throwing sports)
  
  

These injuries often stem from repetitive motion, inadequate recovery time, poor biomechanics, or improper training loads.

When It’s Okay to Push

Mild soreness or fatigue after a tough practice isn’t necessarily cause for concern. It’s often a normal part of building strength and endurance. Pushing through can be safe if:

• The discomfort is mild and doesn’t worsen with movement
• There’s no swelling, bruising, or sharp pain
• It improves with rest and mobility work
• The athlete can perform at full function without compensating or limping
  
  

Even so, teen athletes should always communicate how they’re feeling—mentally and physically.

When to Hit Pause

“Playing through the pain” might sound tough, but ignoring injury signals can lead to long-term damage. Athletes should stop and seek professional care if they experience:

• Sudden or sharp pain during activity
• Swelling, bruising, or decreased range of motion
• Pain that persists or worsens over days
• Weakness or instability in a joint
• Any injury that alters form or causes compensation (limping, guarding)
  
  

Ignoring these red flags can turn a small issue into a season-ending injury—or worse, a lifelong one.

Advice for Parents & Coaches

The adults on an athlete’s team—parents, coaches, and trainers—play a huge role in preventing and managing injuries. Here’s how you can help:

• Normalize rest and recovery. Young athletes need rest days to grow stronger.
• Watch for changes. Sudden performance dips, mood swings, or altered movement can signal pain.
• Respect pain. Teach athletes that pain is not weakness—it’s information.
• Promote long-term health. Pushing through might win a game but could cost a scholarship later.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

At Puckett Physical Therapy, we specialize in 1-on-1 athlete-specific rehab and performance care. Our San Antonio team takes a full-body, sport-specific approach to:

• Evaluate the root cause of pain or dysfunction
• Rebuild strength and mobility
• Prevent reinjury through personalized training
• Boost confidence to return to play stronger
  
  

Whether your athlete is recovering from an injury or looking to prevent one, our team is here to guide their comeback.

Book Your Free Consultation

Let’s keep your athlete in the game—and out of the surgery room.

📍 Puckett Physical Therapy
14886 Tradesman Dr #110
San Antonio, TX 78249
📞 (210) 742-9423

Your athlete deserves more than generic care. They deserve a team that understands what it takes to get back in the game—and stay there.

Contact us today to schedule a free consult with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.