Overuse injuries are the most common type of injury in youth sports. These types of injuries are subtle and usually occur over time making them challenging to diagnose and treat. They are a result of repetitive micro-trauma to tendons, bones and joints.

Physical stress, also known as exercise and activity, is extremely beneficial for our bones, muscles, tendon and ligaments, making them stronger and more functional. However, there is a fine balance of breakdown and buildup that occurs in the body through the process of “remodeling”. When the remodeling process begins to breakdown more rapidly than buildup, an overuse injury occurs.

Overuse injuries are not only a result of single-sport specialization but also can be a result of simultaneous, multi-sport participation in a single season or throughout the year. Another factor contributing to overuse injuries include training errors, which often involve rapid acceleration of intensity, duration and frequency of training specifically at the beginning of a season and for those players that are returning from injury. Imbalances in muscle flexibility/strength, body alignment/posture, improperly-fitting equipment and environmental factors also play a role.  

If you or your child is experiencing an acute or chronic injury, please give us a call at (978) 624-7966 or take a walk upstairs at Essex Sports Center and schedule an assessment today.