Above: LuskinOIC Volunteer runs SRLA marathon

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, a time to celebrate the importance of staying active and the incredible benefits physical activity brings to children’s lives. At Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC), we’re not just treating injuries—we’re nurturing the next generation of champions through our world-class Sports Medicine Center.

The Power of Physical Fitness for Growing Bodies

Regular physical activity is essential for children’s development, offering benefits that extend far beyond the playing field:

• Strong bones and muscles: Weight-bearing activities help build bone density during crucial growth years
• Healthy weight management: Active children are less likely to experience childhood obesity
• Improved cardiovascular health: Regular exercise strengthens young hearts
• Enhanced motor skills and coordination: Sports help refine movement patterns and body awareness
• Better academic performance: Studies consistently show physically active children perform better in school
• Improved mental health: Physical activity reduces anxiety and depression while boosting self-confidence

As pediatric orthopaedic specialists, we see firsthand how maintaining an active lifestyle can prevent injuries and promote overall wellness in children of all ages.

World-Class Sports Medicine for Young Athletes

LuskinOIC’s Sports Medicine Program stands apart through our unique understanding of young athletes’ bodies. Children aren’t simply small adults—they have growing bones, open growth plates, and developing muscles that require specialized care.

Our multidisciplinary team includes:

• Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons with sports medicine fellowship training
• Physical therapists specializing in youth rehabilitation
• Athletic trainers who bridge the gap between medical care and return to play

This comprehensive approach ensures that when a young athlete comes to us with an injury, we’re addressing not just the immediate issue, but looking at the whole child to prevent future problems and optimize performance.

From Playground to Professional: Our Elite Sports Connections

LuskinOIC’s reputation for excellence extends to the highest levels of competitive sports. Our practitioners proudly serve as team physicians and consultants for:

• UCLA Athletics: Supporting Bruin student-athletes across multiple sports
• Los Angeles Lakers: Providing orthopaedic expertise to one of the NBA’s premier franchises
• Local high school athletic programs: Ensuring young competitors receive professional-level care
• Youth sports leagues: Bringing specialized care to community-level athletics

This elite-level experience enriches the care we provide to every young patient who walks through our doors. The same expertise that helps professional athletes return to peak performance is applied to helping a 10-year-old gymnast recover from a wrist injury or a teenage soccer player rehabilitate after ACL surgery.

Prevention: The Best Medicine

While we excel at treating sports injuries, our ultimate goal is prevention. Our sports medicine specialists regularly conduct:

• Pre-participation physical examinations to identify potential issues before they become problems
• Movement assessments to correct biomechanical inefficiencies
• Educational workshops for coaches and parents on injury prevention strategies
• Sport-specific training recommendations to build strength and resilience

During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we encourage families to schedule a sports preparedness evaluation, especially as children prepare for summer sports and activities.

Getting—and Staying—Active as a Family

As we celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, here are some ways families can embrace physical activity together:

• Establish a family fitness challenge with achievable goals for everyone
• Explore new activities—try hiking, swimming, or cycling together
• Create an obstacle course in your backyard or at a local park
• Sign up for a charity walk/run event as a family team
• Schedule “device-free” times dedicated to physical play

Remember, children who see their parents enjoying physical activity are more likely to develop lifelong fitness habits themselves.

Partners in Your Child’s Active Journey

At LuskinOIC, we’re more than just healers—we’re partners in your child’s journey toward an active, healthy life. Whether your child is a competitive athlete or simply enjoys recreational play, our sports medicine specialists are committed to keeping them moving safely and confidently.

This National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we celebrate not just the champions we’ve helped heal, but the everyday victories of children staying active, building strength, and discovering the joy of movement.

To learn more about our sports medicine services or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact LuskinOIC today.

LuskinOIC is proud to support active children and young athletes across our community—from playground enthusiasts to future Olympians. Our specialized pediatric orthopaedic care ensures that physical setbacks are just temporary pauses in a lifetime of healthy movement.

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