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Orthopedics

Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes

The UCSF Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes is the first sports medicine program in Northern California to work exclusively with young people. We evaluate, treat and train athletes ages 5 to 25 who compete or participate at any level. Specialized care is important because the bones and cartilage in growing bodies tend to be susceptible to different injuries than those in physically mature athletes. Without correct treatment, overuse injuries in young athletes can lead to lasting disability that extends into adulthood.

Trained and experienced in the most current methods, our experts provide comprehensive medical care for injured patients to help them regain or reach their own highest levels of performance. The Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes also offers access to orthopedic surgery, including leading-edge minimally invasive surgery.

Each athlete who comes to us receives care from a team of experts who work exclusively with young athletes. Our team includes:

  • Orthopedic surgeons
  • Sports medicine doctors
  • Physical therapists specializing in sports
  • Certified athletic trainers
  • Biomechanists
  • Kinesiologists
  • Certified strength and conditioning specialists
  • Sports nutritionists

Equally dedicated to injury prevention, we focus on enhancing the efficiency of the training process, educating and supporting coaches and managers, and improving the understanding of sports science through the center’s ongoing research.

Our locations (8)

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

    Patient handouts

    Patient videos

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

    Learn more
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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Learn more

    Related clinics (3)

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    Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic

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    Sports Concussion Program

    Sports Concussion Program

    San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek
    sports-physical-therapy-clinic-320x320-2x 3

    Sports Physical Therapy Clinic

    Sports Physical Therapy Clinic

    Oakland / San Ramon / Walnut Creek

    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

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    Sports Performance Classes

    Experienced sports medicine professionals help young athletes excel on the field with training and injury prevention classes. Learn more and sign up.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    After hospitalization, we help kids return to school by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Resources for physicians

    Whether you're referring a patient, seeking a second opinion or looking for professional education opportunities, you'll find resources on the UCSF Orthopedic Program's MedConnection hub. We look forward to partnering with you!

    Translation, please

    We have interpreters for Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, American Sign Language and more.

    Request an interpreter

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