Spring sports season brings excitement as young athletes return to baseball and lacrosse fields, soccer and rugby pitches, and running tracks. While most parents focus on getting their kids ready to play, many don’t know what warning signs to watch for once practice begins. Here’s the reassuring news: catching potential injuries early makes all the difference.
In this guide you’ll learn the six key warning signs that indicate your athlete needs a PT evaluation, what each sign means, and exactly what to do if you spot them. Thanks to direct access, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist, which means you can address concerns quickly — before small issues become season-ending problems. Physical therapists are trained to make a referral to another medical provider if the issue needs further assessment.
Prevention First
While knowing injury warning signs is crucial, the ideal scenario is avoiding injury in the first place. Consulting with a physical therapist for a wellness visit before each new sport season can identify movement limitations, address lingering issues from the last season, and significantly reduce injury risk for the upcoming season.
Even with the best preparation, injuries can still happen. That’s where knowing these warning signs becomes essential. Below you’ll find the top 6 signs of injury in sports.
6 warning signs your young athlete needs evaluation
- 1. Headaches, Lightheadedness, or Dizziness
What it means: Possible concussion — never ignore head injury symptoms in young athletes.
What to watch for:
- Complaints of headaches after practice or games
- Appearing confused, “foggy,” or having balance issues
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Changes in mood or sleep patterns
What to do:
- Remove from play immediately — no exceptions
- Seek medical evaluation before any return to sport
- Follow proper return-to-play concussion protocols
- Never allow “playing through” head injury symptoms
When to see PT: After medical clearance, physical therapists provide vestibular rehabilitation and graduated return-to-sport programs to ensure safe reintegration into athletics.
- 2. Difficulty Sleeping
What it means: possible over training, higher intensity workouts later in the day, pain keeping them up.
What to watch for:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Restless at night even when tired
- Mood changes or irritability
- Groggy in the morning, more than average time waking up
What to do:
- No caffeine after 1pm
- Consistent 30-45 minute “wind down time” (no screens)
- Move more intense workout sessions earlier if possible
- Ensure adequate nutritional balance, no skipping dinner or cutting carbs
When to see PT: Physical therapists can provide breathing techniques and calming mobility efforts including recovery stretching and foam rolling before bedtime. They can make referrals to other providers if they suspect psychological stress or nutritional deficits.
- 3. Difficulty standing, sitting, stepping or moving around normally
What it means: possible post exercise muscle or joint soreness or recently sustained injury.
What to watch for:
- Fidgeting when in one place for too long
- Complaints of pain in sustained positions or movement transitions
- Wincing with movement
What to do:
- Ensure rest days with focus on recovery
- Inquire if something is bothering them
- Suggest heat or ice to affected area for 10-20 minutes
- Consult with medical provider if issues persist
When to see PT: Physical therapists can provide ideas about proper pre-activity warm-up exercises, hydration levels, recovery stretching and rolling immediately.
- 4. Limping or an appearance of pain when putting weight on and/or using a particular part of the body
What it means: Possible fracture, severe muscle or tendon strain or ligament sprain.
What to watch for:
- Complaints of significant pain- don’t ignore
- Swelling, redness, bruising in affected area
- Significant “favoring” of the affected body part
- Inability or unwillingness to move symmetrically
What to do:
- Inspect area closely for any signs of deformity or acute injury
- Inquire as to “what happened”
- Allow for initial relative rest to see how it responds to less activity
- Seek medical evaluation rather than suggesting “playing through” it
When to see PT: If pain persists longer than 3-4 days see physical therapist immediately to see if injury needs more in depth medical attention or imaging (PT can make referral if needed) or is appropriate for conservative care by PT.
- 5. Tingling, numbness or weakness in the limbs, fingers or toes
What it means: Possible nerve injury — never ignore symptoms
What to watch for:
- Shaking hands or feet out
- Falling, stumbling, and/or dropping things
- Altered movement patterns with basic tasks
What to do:
- Inquire about the onset of symptoms, when and how
- Seek medical evaluation if symptoms persist or worsen longer than 2-3 days
- Remove from sport if child’s movements are considerably different than usual and performance is negatively affected
When to see PT: After referral from physician or prior to rule in/out more serious nerve injury which can then be referred to a physician.
- 6. Sharp pain during physical activity
What it means: Acute injury: sprain, strain, fracture
What to watch for:
- Wincing, crying
- Unable to perform activities at normal level due to complaints of pain
- Limping, guarding, self- splinting
- Altered movement patterns
What to do:
- Seek medical evaluation
- Speak with coach or team’s athletic trainer about current symptoms
- Remove from sport if child’s movements are considerably different than usual and performance is negatively affected
- Do not encourage to play through sharp pain
When to see PT: After referral from physician or prior to rule in/out more serious bony or soft tissue injury which can then be referred to a physician
You don’t need to wait — or get a referral — to see a physical therapist
One of the most important things parents should know is that direct access laws mean your young athlete can see a physical therapist without a physician referral.
Best times to schedule a PT visit:
- Before the season begins (4-6 weeks out) – Preseason screening to identify risks
- When you notice warning signs – Early intervention prevents bigger problems
- After returning from injury – Ensure full recovery before competition
- When performance unexpectedly declines – Address underlying movement issues
A preseason or early-season PT visit typically takes just 1-2 sessions and can prevent weeks — or months — of treatment later.
Ready for your best spring sport season?
Don’t wait for an injury to sideline you. Find a Therapeutic Associates clinic near you and get your pre-season assessment today.
