As the school year begins and fall sports kick into high gear, families across Minnesota are cheering on student-athletes as they return to fields, courts, and tracks. With that excitement comes the challenge of keeping young athletes healthy during a busy and physically demanding season.
That’s why we’re proud to share that Dr. Kersten Schwanz, Summit Orthopedics Sports Medicine Physician, was recently featured on WCCO News to discuss how student-athletes can stay strong, safe, and prepared this fall.
Key Tips for Student-Athlete Health
During the interview, Dr. Schwanz highlighted several important ways student-athletes can protect themselves from injury while performing at their best:
- Start the season with preparation. After a less structured summer, it’s important to gradually ramp up activity rather than jumping into full-intensity practices and games right away.
- Warm up and cool down. Dynamic stretching before practices and games — paired with post-activity cool-downs — helps keep muscles flexible and reduces injury risk.
- Prioritize rest and recovery. Adequate sleep and built-in rest days are essential for injury prevention and long-term performance.
- Fuel and hydrate properly. Nutritious meals and consistent hydration support energy, focus, and faster recovery.
- Listen to your body. If pain or unusual soreness occurs, it’s important to speak up and get checked early to prevent more serious setbacks.
Trusted Care, On and Off the Field
Dr. Schwanz’s feature on WCCO underscores what we at Summit Orthopedics are passionate about: keeping athletes healthy and active at every stage of life. From injury prevention to treatment and recovery, our Sports Medicine team partners with athletes, parents, and coaches to ensure safe participation and peak performance.
“Fall sports are such a valuable opportunity for young athletes to grow, but safety must come first,” said Dr. Schwanz. “Taking the right steps now helps set the stage for a healthy season.”
Watch Dr. Schwanz’s WCCO Morning News segment here: CBS Minnesota – How student athletes can stay healthy during fall sports
Ready to learn more about keeping your athlete healthy this season? Meet Dr. Kersten Schwanz and explore Summit’s full range of Sports Medicine services.
