Why Choose the Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes?

Our center is unique in its focus. Most sports medicine practices focus on adults while we focus exclusively on young people, especially teens and pre-teens.  Our sports medicine therapists are specifically trained to provide return-to-sport therapy for otherwise healthy children and adolescents.

Our patients enjoy being treated in a clinic where the other patients are also their age. They can relate to each other’s struggles and encourage each other to do their best.

Our gym features cardiovascular equipment such as treadmills, bikes and upper body erogmeters, plus weight-training machines built specifically to accommodate young athletes from 4'10" to their full adult stature.

Our center is owned by the Children’s Orthopaedic Associates Medical Group, a group of three very experienced and skilled surgeons. These surgeons provide oversight to the center’s therapists to ensure the best possible outcomes for every patient, including those who need surgery and those who do not.

What is a Pediatric Sports Physical Therapist?

Pediatric Sports Physical Therapists are trained to work with children and  teens who  participate in sports to help prevent problems related to the loss of function by providing fitness and wellness programs that encourage young people  to achieve healthy and active lifestyles.  

Our center’s therapists are highly skilled at recognizing and treating injuries that are unique to the growing and developing young athlete. Our program has demonstrated success getting these young athletes back to their individual peak performance level.

What services do we offer?

We help young athletes rebuild strength, mobility, agility and stamina after an injury so they can return to their individual optimal level of performance quickly and safely.

Goals for rehabilitation include facilitating efficient and safe healing after an injury and education to help prevent future injuries.
We also offer classes on injury prevention and training.

Where do we see patients?

100 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. Our facility is in the Shadelands Surgery Center which is just off of Ygnacio Boulevard. (We are one block west of Heather Farms Park across from the Shadelands Museum).  Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

Yes. All patients must have a referral or prescription for physical therapy evaluation and treatment.

A referral or prescription from your child's primary care, orthopedic, chiropractic, or family physician will assist our physical therapists in managing the young athlete’s injury.

You may fax or bring the referral with you to the appointment. If you do not have a referral, or if the referral you have is expired, your insurance may not pay for your appointment.

After we receive your information we will check your coverage so you know exactly what your insurance will cover.

How do I make an appointment?

To schedule an appointment at our center, please call 925-988-0100.

What to expect during physical therapy

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete registration.

Dress comfortably with appropriate clothing for examination of the injured area. Wear sneakers and exercise clothing.

Each physical therapy visit will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Patients who are under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and the adult must remain on site during the entire session.  Patients who are over the age of 14 must have a parent/guardian accompany them to the initial visit but may arrive alone after the initial visit, if their parent/guardian approves. 

During the first visit, the physical therapist will perform a physical therapy evaluation, which begins with the therapist asking several specific questions about the patient’s condition and the symptoms. The parent’s input is often very helpful during this time. Afterwards, the physical therapist  will perform a thorough examination, often including areas other than the site of the injury, in an effort to determine other factors that may have contributed to the condition. Physical therapy treatment often includes a prescription of therapeutic exercises and manual techniques and may include the use of modalities such as heat or ice.

During the following visits, the therapist will review the exercises and add additional exercises and modalities as necessary to advance the patient’s   recovery.

To maximize physical therapy’s benefit, it is important that patients perform the exercises as prescribed at home. Parents/guardians are encouraged to monitor the patient’s compliance with the exercises and set aside specific times every day for the patient to complete the exercises.

We believe in a team concept when treating our athletes.  We encourage and facilitate collaboration with physicians, parents, coaches, and trainers.