For a lot of athletes, the start of fall sports means going from a pretty relaxed summer routine to a very full schedule almost overnight.
They’re waking up early, sitting in class for most of the day, carrying a backpack, going straight to practice and then coming home to homework. On top of that, they’re running, lifting, practicing and competing.
That’s a lot for the body to adjust to.
One thing I see with athletes this time of year is that they sometimes assume every ache is just part of getting back into shape. Some soreness is normal, but there’s a difference between being a little sore after practice and having pain that keeps coming back or gets worse.
I always encourage athletes to pay attention to those little things. You know your body better than anyone, and speaking up early can make a big difference.
Getting back into a routine takes time. Your body needs time to catch up with everything you’re asking it to do.
Emily’s Tips for a Healthy Fall Sports Season
- Ease back into it. Your body may need time to adjust to the increase in practices, conditioning and games.
- Get enough sleep. Early mornings, school and late-night homework can add up quickly.
- Move during the school day. Sitting for hours and then jumping into a hard practice can be tough on your body.
- Don’t ignore pain that sticks around. Normal soreness should improve. Pain that keeps coming back or gets worse deserves attention.
- Fuel and hydrate. Your body needs enough food and fluids to get through school and perform at practice.
- Speak up early. Tell a parent, coach or healthcare provider if something doesn’t feel right.
“I think athletes sometimes feel like they have to push through everything, especially when they’re excited to be back in their sport. But if something keeps bothering you, don’t just ignore it and hope it goes away. I’d much rather have an athlete come in when it’s a small issue than wait until it becomes something that takes them out of their season.”
— Emily Molnar, DPT, Physical Therapist
How We Can Help at Midland Sports Rehab
If an athlete is dealing with an injury or pain that isn’t going away, physical therapy can help figure out what’s actually going on instead of simply telling them to rest and hope it gets better.
At Midland Sports Rehab, we look at how an athlete moves, where they may be weak or compensating, and what might be contributing to the problem. From there, we build a plan around their specific sport, goals and needs.
We’re also fortunate to have athletic trainers from our team working directly with local high schools. They’re there on the sidelines supporting student-athletes, helping with injuries when they happen and working closely with coaches, parents and healthcare providers throughout the season.
That connection can make a big difference. When an athlete starts having pain, they have someone nearby who can help them figure out what to do next rather than trying to push through it on their own.
The goal isn’t just to get an athlete feeling better for a few days. We want to help them build back their strength, movement and confidence so they can get back to doing what they love — and hopefully stay there for the entire season.
