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Patient Questions  /  Returning to sports after an injury

Kids & Babies

When Can My Child Return to Sports After an Injury?

It depends on the injury, but the best answer is when your child is ready, not just when a set number of days has passed. That usually means no pain or swelling, full movement, strength close to the other side, and the ability to run, jump and change direction without limping. After a broken bone or surgery, follow the doctor's or surgeon's plan.

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Signs your child may be ready

  • No pain or swelling with daily activity.
  • Full, easy movement in the injured area.
  • Strength close to the uninjured side.
  • Running, jumping, hopping and cutting without pain or limping.
  • Feeling confident, not nervous, about using the injured area.

Kids often say they feel fine before they are truly ready. Testing strength and sport moves gives a clearer answer than how it feels at rest.

Step back in gradually

A safe return usually moves in stages: practice drills without contact, then full practice, then games. If pain or swelling comes back, step back a stage. Going back too soon is a common cause of re-injury. After ACL reconstruction, for example, return to pivoting sports usually takes at least about nine months and passing strength and movement tests.

Work with the whole team

Share the plan with coaches and athletic trainers so practice matches where your child is in recovery. Any head injury needs a doctor's plan before your child plays again.

When to see a doctor

Stop play and see a doctor if your child has:

  • Pain right over a bone, or a limp that won't go away
  • Swelling that comes back after activity
  • A joint that gives way, locks or feels unstable
  • Headache, dizziness, confusion or acting differently after a blow to the head or body
  • Numbness, tingling, or a hand or foot that is cold or pale

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist can rebuild strength, balance and control after an injury, then test sport moves step by step so return-to-play decisions are based on how your child is doing. Parents are involved, we give clear guidance to share with coaches, and we coordinate with your child's pediatrician or surgeon.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Youth sports injuries →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026