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PrintMedical Reports: Medical Rehab for Kids
Year-round athletic activity means South Florida kids have a better chance at getting hurt, but one local hospital is opening up a special center just to help them get back in the game faster. Richard Lemus has the story.
WSVN -- Football, basketball, soccer-- 14-year-old Jeremy Moss loves to play them all!
Jeremy Moss: "Four years old, I was swinging a baseball bat and kicking a soccer ball."
But an injury during a game a couple of months ago had Jeremy sitting on the bench.
Jeremy Moss: "I noticed when I was walking, I felt my left knee lock, and I couldn't really straighten it."
Dr. Stephen Storer, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Memorial Regional Hospital: "We see tons of sports injuries, whether it's baseball, football or soccer. It's all year around."
Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Stephen Storer says he sees all types of injuries in young athletes, from sprains to fractures.
Dr. Stephen Storer: "Many times, surgery is just the initial step, and the rehabilitation is more important, if not as important."
That's why Memorial Hospital Miramar decided to build a rehabilitation facility just for athletes under 18.
Tony Milian, U18 Sports Medicine Manager, Memorial Hospital Miramar: "The staff is geared and focused just for the kids. The facility was designed just for the kids."
The center is staffed with doctors who specialize in childhood injuries, along with a specially trained staff of physical therapists and trainers who only work with kids.
Dr. Stephen Storer: "Because kids are not just little adults they do require specialized therapy and specialized rehabilitation."
The facility is kid-friendly, equipped with flat screen TVs and a special Wii system that actually makes physical therapy fun.
The idea is to make kids comfortable, get them through therapy successfully and back on the field as quickly as possible.
Dr. Stephen Storer: "You can see here this is where he has the softening of the cartilage."
Jeremy had surgery for torn cartilage and is now finishing up physical therapy.
Jeremy Moss: "It was four months of hard work."
As for Jeremy, he's just glad he's almost ready to get back on the field and kick for his team.
U-18 sports medicine will open its doors on Sept. 1.
The staff is also working on a web site to give parents and coaches advice on preventing injuries in young athletes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Memorial Healthcare System: