Advancements in Pediatric Sports Medicine: Addressing Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation in Youth Athletes

Due to the physiological, psychological, and other complexities involved in the development of young athletes, pediatric sports medicine is a distinctive field. This review synthesizes current evidence regarding injury characteristics among youth athletes, along with prevention and rehabilitation strategies. It finds that adolescents are more prone to overuse injuries and psychological challenges during recovery, while younger children are most vulnerable during informal play. Neuromuscular training, for example, has proven to be an effective prevention program; however, it remains insufficient for addressing the impact of sport specialization on injuries. It still fails to consider the long-term mental health effects of youth sports. Recovery after injury should integrate muscle repair with psychosocial support for athletes whose athletic identities are at risk. Emerging wearable sensor technologies hold promises for personalized monitoring, but barriers to implementation persist. This review underscores the importance of collaboration among clinicians, researchers, coaches, and parents in developing evidence-based care models tailored to specific age groups. Future directions include enhancing injury surveillance systems, advocating for pediatric–specific policies within sports federations, and acknowledging the significance of mental health recovery as equal to physical recovery. A multidisciplinary approach should be employed to optimize safety, performance, and long-term well-being in youth sports.