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Sports Medicine

Doctors at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital offer unique approaches to pediatric sports medicine for children and teens of all ages. We care for young athletes at every level, from seasonal athletes to elite competitors.

Learn how Dr. Benjamin helps the Caquatto sisters, a pair of elite gymnasts.

Our care ranges from pre-participation physicals to advanced treatment of non-surgical sports injuries. We are experts in sports injuries affecting the shoulders, knees, and ankles. These conditions are often more difficult to treat in children than in adults, due to growth and development issues.

Our pediatric sports medicine specialist -- the first in Chicago -- is nationally recognized for her expertise and serves as chair of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics' committee on sports medicine and fitness. She is also a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.

At the Forefront of Pediatric Sports Medicine

We care for children and adolescents with a range of orthopaedic conditions and sports-related injuries, including:

Acute and overuse injuries (sprains and strains)
Concussions
Exercise-induced asthma
Musculoskeletal pain
Back pain
Obesity
Nutrition issues
Breathing difficulties during exercise

We work closely with parents, coaches, and other specialists and subspecialists to provide customized care plans to fit your child or teen’s specific needs. We can provide consultation on sports readiness, strength training, and general conditioning for sports.

Advanced Diagnostics and Innovative Therapies

The most advanced diagnostic therapies are available, including CT and MRI testing performed in Comer Children’s Hospital. Most of the problems we encounter can be treated medically, without surgery. But when surgery is needed, our doctors can assess your child’s options and collaborate with surgeons on the best approach for your child or teen. Our pediatric sports medicine specialist works closely with our expert pediatric surgical team to identify problems and resolve them.

Expertise With Female Athletes

We provide multidisciplinary care for young female athletes at every level. We have extensive expertise in treating knee ligament injuries, a common problem in teen athletes. We also specialize in diagnosing and treating the female athlete triad, which involves disordered eating, menstrual irregularities, and stress fractures.

When Rehabilitation Is Needed

Comer Children’s Hospital provides a comprehensive range of rehabilitation services for young athletes that you won’t find elsewhere, including:

Physical therapy
Bracing
Orthotics (shoe inserts)
Guidelines for safe return to play
Injury prevention and education

Naperville Sports Medicine brochure (PDF)

Convenient Care Locations in Chicago and the Suburbs

Pediatric sports medicine care is offered at our main location at the University of Chicago medical campus in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, as well as two suburban locations in Matteson and Naperville.