Inside the World of Sports Medicine: Dr. Alexandra Abbott Shares Her Expertise
When it comes to sports medicine, few professionals bring the same level of experience and passion as Dr. Alexandra Abbott. A former collegiate soccer player at Cal Poly Pomona, Dr. Abbott now serves as a pediatric sports medicine specialist at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Her journey from athlete to doctor has given her a unique perspective on the challenges young athletes face today. From the rise of youth sports specialization to the importance of injury prevention, Dr. Abbott is on a mission to keep kids active and healthy for life.
Recently, Dr. Abbott participated in an “Ask Me Anything” session on Instagram, where she tackled some of the most pressing questions in sports medicine. Here’s what she had to say about her experiences, insights, and advice for athletes, parents, and coaches alike.
From College Soccer to Sports Medicine
Dr. Abbott’s time as a collegiate athlete shaped her approach to sports medicine. “I’m grateful and proud to say that I made the cut and got to play college soccer, especially because not very many athletes get to have that experience,” she shared. Her firsthand understanding of the physical and mental demands of competitive sports allows her to connect with young athletes on a deeper level.
“I’ve reflected on what it means to have longevity in sports,” she explained. “It’s important to reduce injury risk, prevent burnout, and encourage kids to stay active not just as athletes but as adults. We want to create lifelong athletes who enjoy being active.”
Working with the Pros: Lessons from the Los Angeles Lakers
Dr. Abbott’s career has also included working with professional teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Sparks, and the Dodgers during her training at UCLA. “I learned about the commitment, dedication, and teamwork that those athletes need to be successful on that level,” she said. But it wasn’t just the athletes who impressed her. “The health care providers need those qualities as well to take care of the teams and help them maintain success.”
When Should Kids Specialize in One Sport?
One of the hottest topics in youth sports today is specialization. Parents often encourage their children to focus on a single sport in hopes of increasing their chances of earning a college scholarship. But according to Dr. Abbott, early specialization can come with risks.
“We’ve found that there’s an increased risk in specialization before the age of 12,” she explained. “This can lead to injuries or psychological burnout, where kids want to quit their sport or withdraw from all sports entirely.”
For parents considering specialization, Dr. Abbott offered three key guidelines:
- Take one day off per week from the sport to allow for recovery and rest.
- Ensure there’s an off-season of three to four months each year to focus on a different sport or prioritize recovery.
- Limit weekly participation to the number of hours corresponding to the child’s age. For example, a 12-year-old should not play more than 12 hours of a single sport per week.
“We want athletes to remain active through adolescence and adulthood,” she emphasized. “Specializing too early and experiencing burnout or injury doesn’t promote those outcomes.”
Spotting a Concussion: What Parents Need to Know
Concussions are a serious concern in youth sports, and Dr. Abbott offered practical advice for parents. “When we ask kids whether they’ve ever had a concussion, it’s most effective to ask if they’ve ever had dizziness or a headache after being hit on the head,” she said. “A concussion can look like a mild headache or more severe symptoms that last for weeks.”
If you suspect your child has a concussion, Dr. Abbott recommends seeing a pediatrician or sports medicine doctor. “In general, we promote a gradual return to sport that takes at least a week after diagnosis,” she said. For more severe symptoms, a visit to the emergency room may be necessary.
The Role of Stretching in Injury Prevention
Stretching is often overlooked, but Dr. Abbott stressed its importance. “Stretching, mobility, and flexibility are crucial components of healthy muscles, joints, and bones,” she said. “A lot of times, my strongest athletes are my least flexible, and they come in with specific patterns of injuries that could be mitigated with regular stretching.”
She encouraged athletes to dedicate a specific part of their routine to stretching, rather than doing it on the fly. “Flexibility is just as important as recovery and strengthening,” she added.
The Future of Sports Medicine
When asked about the next big innovation in sports medicine, Dr. Abbott highlighted a potential cultural shift. “I’m more excited about moving away from fixing injuries after they occur to focusing on prevention,” she said. “Diversification is key.”
Dr. Abbott’s work is part of a larger effort at the Children’s Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, which is ranked No. 1 in the Bay Area by U.S. News & World Report. The center offers cutting-edge treatments and consultations for children with orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
Dr. Abbott’s insights are a reminder of the importance of balancing ambition with health and well-being in youth sports. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, her advice is worth taking to heart.
Originally Written by: Alexandra Abbott
