When Mason, 16, stepped back onto the soccer field this spring, his confident stride told the story of successful recovery. After struggling with severe lower back pain that threatened to sideline him permanently, he found help through the sports medicine program at Shriners Children’s Shreveport. His journey represents just one of thousands of success stories emerging from Shriners Children’s expanding sports medicine initiatives across North America.
As one of North America’s largest pediatric orthopedic healthcare systems, Shriners Children’s brings a unique perspective to treating young athletes. “Pediatric sports-related injuries are fundamentally different because kids are still growing,” explained Damian Duhon, PT, DPT, manager of therapy services at Shriners Children’s Shreveport. “You have to consider growth plates and numerous other factors that don’t come into play with adults.”
Mason was able to get back to soccer and the other sports he enjoys after rehabilitative therapy in the sports medicine program at Shriners Children’s Shreveport.
This expertise drives innovation across Shriners Children’s. In response to a growing demand by patients for specialized sports injury treatment, Shriners Children’s Shreveport expanded its care options to include pediatric sports medicine, unveiling a new rehabilitation gym last November. This initiative increases access to high-quality, child- focused sports care for young athletes across northwest Louisiana and surrounding regions.
The new gym features sport-specific training areas that include hitting nets, basketball hoops and a specialized turf surface where athletes can practice game-like movements.
Collaborative care in action
Shriners Children’s Spokane is another location that offers a comprehensive, collaborative approach that sets new standards for youth sports medicine. The facility’s multidisciplinary team includes community and clinic-certified athletic trainers, sports medicine physicians and physical therapists – all working together to bring the best sports medicine care to young athletes.
“We all work together as an amazing sports medicine team,” said athletic trainer Nate Leu. “We couldn’t do our jobs without one another to share ideas and help advocate for our student-athletes to get the proper care they need.”
This collaborative approach proves particularly effective in complex cases. Take Mason’s story: When back pain began affecting his soccer performance, a thorough evaluation ruled out the progression of his mild scoliosis. Instead, his physical therapist identified weak core muscles as the primary issue. Through a carefully structured program of hip bridges, planks, and balance exercises, Mason gradually rebuilt his strength and stability. Today, he’s back to playing the sport he loves, armed with knowledge about maintaining his body’s strength and preventing future injuries.
Chief Medical Officer Fran Farley, M.D., emphasized the importance of specialized pediatric care: “The rising number of young athletes in sports has led to an increase in injuries that require different treatment approaches than similar adult injuries. We deliver care in a way that makes each child feel safe, valued and respected in a patient-centered environment.”
Shriners Children’s commitment to comprehensive sports medicine care extends beyond traditional treatment. In Spokane, community athletic trainers can be found on the sidelines, providing prevention training and real-time injury care. The clinic’s physical therapists offer specialized evaluations – from isolated strength assessments to landing and jumping analyses – ensuring athletes safely return to play at their optimal capacity.
Expanding care for young athletes
From the sidelines to center court – Shriners Children’s sports medicine teams help young athletes return to the games they love.
This expansion of services across the Shriners Children’s healthcare system represents more than just new facilities or programs – it’s a commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of young athletes. That can take place through presurgical rehabilitation to optimize outcomes, concussion treatment protocols or injury prevention education. The focus remains on helping kids reach their full potential safely.
As youth sports participation continues to grow, Shriners Children’s stands ready to meet the increasing demand for specialized care. Our approach combines cutting-edge facilities, highly trained staff and a deep understanding of pediatric sports medicine to create programs that truly serve young athletes’ needs. From the soccer fields of Shreveport, Louisiana, to the training rooms of Spokane, Washington, we’re helping kids like Mason return to the sports they love – stronger, safer and better prepared for success.
