How Personalized Pediatric Care Helps Young Athletes Heal

For many young athletes, sports are more than just an after-school activity — they're a source of confidence, friendships, and personal growth. When an injury interrupts that journey, having a trusted pediatrician can make all the difference.

That was the experience of Mia Bribiesca, a high school soccer player who’s been playing the sport since she was 7 years old.

A painful moment on the field

During a soccer match earlier this year, Mia collided with an opposing player while both were going for the ball. The other player accidentally kicked the back of her knee.

"At first, I noticed she was limping, but she kept playing," recalls her mother, Jennifer Salinas. "Once the game ended, she fell to the ground and started crying."

Concerned about the swelling and pain, Salinas scheduled an appointment with Saul Diaz-Martinez, MD, pediatrician at Adventist Health Medical Office – Fowler.

After evaluating Mia, Dr. Diaz-Martinez found that her knee was swollen and she was unable to bear weight for several days. Initial imaging suggested a possible meniscus injury, which is a tear or injury to the cartilage that cushions the knee joint and helps it move smoothly.

A personalized plan for recovery

Rather than simply treating the injury, Dr. Diaz-Martinez developed a care plan focused on helping Mia safely return to the sport she loves.

He referred her to physical therapy, where specialists helped her strengthen the muscles surrounding her knee, improve stability, and gradually prepare her to return to competitive play.

Today, Mia is back on the soccer field and recently competed in three games at an out-of-state tournament.

For Salinas, the care her daughter received extended beyond the clinic.

"Dr. Diaz-Martinez has reached out to see how she's doing," she says. "He even remembered her tournament, which tells me he really pays attention and cares."

Why annual checkups matter

Dr. Diaz-Martinez encourages families to schedule yearly well-child visits, even when their children aren't sick or injured.

Annual appointments allow pediatricians to monitor growth and development, discuss healthy habits and identify potential concerns before they become more serious. They're also an opportunity to talk about injury prevention, nutrition, hand hygiene, respiratory health, and overall wellness.

For student-athletes, these visits often include a sports physical to help ensure they're ready for the season ahead.

What happens during a sports physical?

A sports physical helps determine whether a child can safely participate in sports. During the visit, a healthcare provider may review:

• Personal and family medical history
• Current medications, vitamins, and supplements
• Height and weight
• Blood pressure, pulse, and vision
• Heart and lung health
• Muscle, bone, and joint function

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, a thorough medical history obtained during a sports physical can identify up to 88 percent of general medical conditions.

Whether a child is preparing for a new season or recovering from an injury, partnering with a trusted pediatric provider can help keep them healthy, active, and ready to play the sports they’re passionate about.