Aquacare Athletics

Aquacare Athletics helps athletes of all ages improve form and function, prevent injuries, and recover to come back stronger.

Meet the Sports Medicine and Athletics Team

Nick Linko, PT, DPT, has years of experience in orthopedics, athletics, and sports performance, and is a certified Titleist Performance Instructor (TPI Golf Therapy). He is a graduate of St. John’s University and the University of Scranton. Growing up playing sports, he understands an athlete’s mindset and what it takes to compete at a high level. Nick relies on his manual skills, patient education, and exercise knowledge for true performance enhancement.

Individual and group rates available.

Youth Sports Injuries On The Rise

Children and teens are not simply “smaller adults.” Their bones, muscles, and joints are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to certain types of injuries. Among the most common:

Sprains and Strains – Overstretched ligaments or muscles are frequent in running, jumping, and contact sports.
Growth Plate Injuries – Because bones are still growing, the soft areas at the ends of long bones (growth plates) are susceptible to fractures.
Overuse Injuries – Stress fractures and tendonitis are often linked to year-round training or specializing in a single sport too early.
Concussions – Contact sports such as football, soccer, and lacrosse carry risks of head injury that must always be taken seriously.
Knee and Shoulder Injuries – ACL tears, patellar pain, and rotator cuff issues are increasingly seen in youth athletes, especially those in high-intensity sports like basketball, volleyball, and swimming.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 3.5 million kids under 14 receive medical treatment for sports-related injuries each year, and high school athletes account for an estimated 2 million injuries annually.

While most injuries are minor, others can sideline young athletes for weeks or months. Understanding the risks, knowing when to seek help, and turning to physical therapy can make all the difference.