Sports Injuries & Concussion Care
- About Us
- Our Care
- Your Visit
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Expert Care to Help Kids Recover, Stay Strong & Get Back to What They Love
At Nemours Children’s, we know how a sports injury or concussion can affect a young athlete. It can impact their physcial health, as well as their confidence, school, and everyday life. Our program is designed to help kids and teens recover fully and return to the activities they enjoy, safely.
We care for all kinds of active kids, from athletes recovering from ACL tears to teens coping with concussion symptoms that won’t go away. Our team includes sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, neurologists, athletic trainers, therapists, and others who work closely together to support every step of your child’s recovery.
As part of top-ranked pediatric Orthopedic Centers in Delaware and Florida, our care is regionally coordinated and nationally recognized. We care for the whole child and not just the injury. We offer services that support nutrition, mental health, and getting back to school after concussion.
And our care extends beyond our walls into the communities we serve. We’re on the sidelines providing medical services on game days. We educate coaches, families, and student athletes. We help them train smart, play safe, and compete at their best. Our goal is to help kids stay active and avoid injury whenever possible.
Two Leading Pediatric Orthopedic Centers
Nemours provides advanced care for newborns, children, and teens with the full range of orthopedic conditions, including complex spine disorders, neuromuscular conditions, sports injuries, and rare disorders affecting bone growth. Learn more about our extensive care and research.
Returning to Court
Basketball has always been a huge part of Jesse Williams’ life. As a 17-year-old athlete, he’s spent years honing his skills on the court. But when persistent knee pain escalated into something more concerning, Jesse found himself facing a challenge that would test his resilience — both physically and mentally.
“They made me feel comfortable, safe, and in good hands during a scary time.”
“The staff is only a call or message away, always willing to help.”
“They would also spend extra time answering questions…the staff is so kind and patient with answering questions.”
"Everyone at Nemours worked together to help calm my nerves and explain procedures in detail so I could understand what was happening"
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DELETE LABEL before pub - For Florida
Personalized Care for All Levels of Play in Florida
Whether your child has a sudden injury, chronic pain from overuse, or a head injury like a concussion, our specialists are here to help them recover safely and return to the activities they love.
Top 40
Orlando orthopedics care ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report
6
Fellowship trained sports medicine doctors on our team
1 of 4
Pediatric inpatient rehab programs in Florida (Orlando)
Your child gets care from experts in pediatric orthopedics, neurology, and cardiology, all working together to manage complex sports-related injuries.
Not every sports injury needs surgery. We use braces, orthotics, and a range of exercises and therapies to help your child recover.
When needed, we offer the latest sports surgeries like ligament reconstruction and transplant. We can use methods that need smaller, fewer cuts for a faster recovery.
In Jacksonville, our program covers the largest youth soccer program in Duval County. We also offer same-day walk-in clinics for orthopedic injuries
Our low-dose imaging technology provides excellent quality with less radiation exposure.
Meet Our Florida Sports Injury & Concussion Team
At Nemours, your child benefits from a dedicated team of pediatric sports medicine specialists who provide complete care in Central, Northeast, and Northwest Florida.
For Delaware
Personalized Care for All Levels of Play in Delaware Valley
Whether your child has a sudden injury, chronic pain from overuse, or a head injury like a concussion, our specialists are here to help them recover safely and return to the activities they love.
#8
Orthopedics care ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report
2,000+
Square feet of rehab space at each of our sports complexes
1:1
Individual personal training programs to improve play
5
Fully equipped gyms
Your child gets care from nationally recognized experts in pediatric orthopedics, neurology, and cardiology, all working together to manage complex sports-related injuries.
Not every sports injury needs surgery. We use braces, orthotics, and a range of exercises and therapies to help your child recover.
When needed, we offer the latest sports surgeries like ligament reconstruction and transplant. We can use methods that need smaller, fewer cuts for a faster recovery.
We offer rehabilitation in athlete-designed spaces, including a therapeutic pool, indoor track lanes, and a climbing wall to support recovery through real-world movement.
Our low-dose imaging technology provides excellent quality with less radiation exposure. We also offer computerized 3D analysis of your athlete’s running form.
Meet Our Delaware Valley Sports Injury & Concussion Team
At Nemours, your child benefits from a dedicated team of pediatric sports medicine specialists who provide complete care.
For All Regions
Personalized Care for All Levels of Play at Nemours
Whether your child has a sudden injury, chronic pain from overuse, or a head injury like a concussion, our specialists are here to help them recover safely and return to the activities they love.
Top Ranked
Orthopedics care ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report
2,000+
Square feet of rehab space at each of our sports complexes in Delaware
1:1
Individual personal training programs to improve play
Our orthopedics care is ranked top (#8 in Delaware and top 40 in Orlando) in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Your child gets care from experts in pediatric orthopedics, neurology, and cardiology, all working together to manage complex sports-related injuries.
Not every sports injury needs surgery. We use braces, orthotics, and a range of exercises and therapies to help your child recover.
When needed, we offer the latest sports surgeries like ligament reconstruction and transplant. We can use methods that need smaller, fewer cuts for a faster recovery.
Our low-dose imaging technology provides excellent quality with less radiation exposure. In Delaware, we also offer computerized 3D analysis of your athlete’s running form.
Meet Our Sports Injury & Concussion Providers
At Nemours, your child benefits from a dedicated team of pediatric sports medicine specialists who provide complete care throughout Delaware Valley and Florida.
Provider Spotlight: Dr. Alfred Atanda
Alfred Atanda, MD, is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and Chief of Sports Medicine in Wilmington, Del. Find out how he helps kids get healthy and mentally strong, and back to the sport they love.
Supporting the Whole Athlete Physically, Mentally, & Emotionally
Recovering from a sports injury or concussion involves physical healing and helping kids regain strength and return to play. Our care spans the full journey from diagnosis through recovery, using advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgery when needed, rehabilitation, and return-to-play planning.
We understand that every child is different. That’s why we tailor our care to meet each young athlete’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Highlights of our care include:
- Same-day injury evaluation and walk-in options giving families fast access to specialists when time matters most.
- Low-dose, high-precision imaging to support accurate diagnosis with less radiation exposure that’s safer for kids and teens.
- Coordinated care from sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and neurologists with pediatric expertise in everything from fractures and ligament tears to complex concussion recovery.
- Integrated concussion care that includes cognitive evaluation, symptom monitoring, and personalized return-to-learn and return-to-play planning.
- Pediatric rehabilitation services with physical therapists and athletic trainers trained in sports-specific recovery and reconditioning for growing athletes.
- Nutrition counseling to support healing, energy, and strength with guidance tailored to each child’s age, sport, and recovery needs.
- Access to 3D motion analysis (in Delaware Valley) to assess movement and guide individualized therapy and training plans.
- Athletic training services for injury evaluation, treatment, and performance-focused recovery, both in our clinics and in community settings.
- Psychosocial support services to help kids manage the emotional side of injury, build resilience, and stay motivated during recovery.
- Injury prevention and performance education for families, coaches, and student athletes, helping keep kids safe and game-ready.
We also meet families where they are. Many of our providers offer follow-ups via video visits or through MyChart, making it easier to stay on track, even during the school day or travel season.
Concussion Care at Nemours
Our team includes pediatric specialists trained in diagnosing and managing concussions. We help families understand symptoms, know what to expect, and support kids through every phase of recovery.
We work closely with schools and coaches to ensure a safe return to learning and physical activity, and we develop customized return-to-learn and return-to-play plans based on each child’s symptoms and goals.
Athletic Training & Performance
Athletic trainers are a core part of our team. They support injury recovery, provide conditioning and movement assessments, and help kids build strength to avoid future injuries. We also offer performance testing at select locations to identify imbalances and fine-tune training plans.
Some athletes see our trainers regularly to stay strong and healthy during the season, even when they’re not injured.
Conditions & Treatments
We see many types of sports and overuse injuries — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending on the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
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Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video
We offer follow-up appointments through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.
Convenient Care, Close to Home
We offer sports injury and concussion care at multiple Nemours locations across the Delaware Valley, Central Florida, Northeast Florida, and Northwest Florida.
Depending on where you live, your child may receive care in a hospital, specialty care location, or a state-of-the-art rehab facility. Many locations offer on-site imaging, physical therapy, athletic training, and outpatient surgery in one place.
We also offer secure video visits and MyChart messaging tools that make it easy to stay connected between appointments. You can ask questions, upload images, and track recovery from anywhere.
DELETE LABEL before pub - For Florida
Pediatric Sports Injury & Concussion Care in Florida
Nemours provides sports injury and concussion care in Central, Northeast, and Northwest Florida.
Central Florida
- Care based at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, in Orlando.
- One of only four pediatric inpatient rehabilitation programs in the state.
- Full-service outpatient rehab, sports medicine, and surgical care.
- Walk-in sports injury care available at Osceola, Narcoossee, and Waterford Lakes.
Northeast Florida
- Comprehensive care at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
- Outpatient therapy and follow-up services at satellite clinics
- Same-day orthopedic-specific walk-in care at Nocatee (Ponte Vedra).
Northwest Florida
Pediatric sports injury care and rehabilitation available at Nemours Children’s Health, Pensacola.
For Delaware
Pediatric Sports Injury & Concussion Care in the Delaware Valley
Sports injury and concussion care is available at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware in Wilmington, as well as our outpatient locations in Deptford, NJ and Malvern, Penn.
- Riverfront Fieldhouse (Wilmington): Pediatric rehab gym, indoor pool (largest in tristate), motion analysis lab, indoor track lanes, outdoor fields.
- Deptford: Therapy gym, outpatient surgery center, indoor therapeutic pool with underwater treadmill, all-abilities playground, X-ray and MRI onsite.
- Malvern: Evaluations, follow-up care, and X‑ray services.
For All Regions
Pediatric Sports Injury & Concussion Care Across Nemours Locations
Nemours offers sports injury and concussion care for young athletes in the Delaware Valley, Central Florida, Northeast Florida, and Northwest Florida. You’ll find rehab gyms, imaging, therapy, surgery, and recovery services designed for growing athletes, with the expertise and facilities to support every step of care.
Our Locations
Delaware Valley
Care is available at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware and outpatient centers in Deptford, NJ and Malvern Penn. Facilities in Delaware Valley include a motion analysis lab, a large indoor therapy pool, and two full-service rehab gyms, one at our Riverfront Fieldhouse and another at our Deptford site, which also includes an underwater treadmill and outpatient surgery center.
Central Florida
Our Orlando hospital offers full-service sports medicine care, including outpatient rehab and one of only four pediatric inpatient rehab programs in Florida. Walk-in care is available at Osceola, Narcoossee, and Waterford Lakes.
Northeast Florida
Our Jacksonville campus and Wolfson Children’s Hospital provide surgery, rehab, and outpatient services throughout the region. Same-day orthopedic-specific walk-in care is available at our Nocatee location in Ponte Vedra.
Northwest Florida
Pediatric sports medicine care is offered at Nemours Children’s Health, Pensacola, with access to therapy and follow-up care.
Wherever you go, our teams coordinate care to support your child’s recovery, strength, and return to play. All the care your young athlete needs, within one connected system.
Plan Your Visit
Every athlete’s injury, and recovery, is different. That’s why we tailor each visit to your child’s needs, goals, and stage of healing. You can expect thoughtful, age-appropriate care from a team that understands how kids move, grow, and bounce back.
What to Expect: Concussion Care & Injury Prevention
Our team provides specialized care for kids and teens with concussions. In some locations, we offer baseline testing to support safer play before injuries happen. We focus on full recovery and informed return-to-activity decisions.
What we may do:
- Assess symptoms and brain function using child-specific concussion tools.
- Monitor recovery with follow-up evaluations and symptom tracking.
- Provide return-to-learn and return-to-play guidance tailored to your child’s needs.
- Offer baseline testing before injury, especially for student athletes in contact sports.
- Coordinate with schools and coaches to support rest, recovery, and gradual re-entry.
Visits & Recovery
Initial evaluations may take 45 to 60 minutes. Follow-ups depend on your child’s symptoms and recovery timeline. Some kids need just a few visits. Others benefit from regular monitoring over several weeks, especially if they’ve had previous concussions.
What to Expect: Surgery for Sports Injuries
Some sports injuries like ACL tears, shoulder dislocations, or complex fractures may need surgery to ensure full recovery and protect long-term joint health. At Nemours, our pediatric orthopedic surgeons use the latest methods to perform precise, minimally invasive procedures tailored to growing bodies.
Innovative approaches we may use:
- Arthroscopic surgery, using small cuts and a camera to guide repairs with less tissue damage and faster healing.
- Growth-sparing techniques that preserve open growth plates in younger athletes.
- 3D motion analysis (in Delaware Valley) to guide surgical planning and optimize post-op rehab.
- Personalized recovery plans that integrate rehab, return-to-play milestones, and coordination with athletic trainers or schools.
Visits & Recovery
Surgical consultations typically last 30 to 60 minutes and include imaging review, a discussion of options, and plenty of time for questions. Most procedures are outpatient or involve short hospital stays, and our team works closely with your family to support healing and a safe return to activity.
What to Expect: Therapy for Sports Injuries
Sports rehab visits help your child regain strength, mobility, and confidence after an injury or surgery. Care is delivered by pediatric physical or occupational therapists in specialized gym spaces designed for growing bodies.
What we may do:
- Assess your child’s strength, balance, and range of motion.
- Teach exercises to rebuild movement and stability.
- Provide home exercise plans to support progress.
- Use tools like resistance bands, treadmills, balance boards, or aquatic therapy.
- Personalize rehab to your child’s sport, age, and injury.
Visits & Recovery
Therapy sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes, once or twice a week. Some kids need just a few visits. Others come regularly for several weeks or months, depending on the injury.
What to Expect: Training & Performance Enhancement
Our certified athletic trainers are movement experts who help young athletes recover, stay strong, and perform at their best. Whether your child is coming back from an injury or training to improve performance and prevent one, we provide hands-on support that’s geared to their sport, age, and ability level.
What we may do:
- Assess strength, balance, flexibility, and movement mechanics.
- Guide sport-specific warmups, drills, and return-to-play progression.
- Offer injury prevention and performance programs for active kids and teens.
- Provide education on recovery, safe training habits, and sport readiness.
- Collaborate with physicians, therapists, and school or club coaches to align care.
- Offer performance testing (at select locations) to monitor progress, identify imbalances, or fine-tune training plans.
Visits & Recovery
Athletic training visits are typically 30 to 45 minutes and may be one-time evaluations or part of a recovery or performance support plan. Some athletes work with trainers regularly, while others come in for check-ins during preseason, post-injury, or skill development phases
More for Teens from Nemours KidsHealth®
Whether your teen plays competitively or just enjoys staying active, this topic center offers helpful information on eating well, avoiding injuries, being a good teammate, and staying mentally strong. Explore it together or share it with your teen to support healthy habits on and off the field.