Craig Ehrlich Pledges $15K to Ortho Magnet High Scholarships Posted on March 31, 2025April 16, 2025 by esw LuskinOIC Board Chair Craig Ehrlich has pledged an additional $15,000 to support Ortho Magnet High School graduates. Since 2023, Mr. Ehrlich has contributed annually to a scholarship fund benefitting 10 Ortho High graduates attending top universities, including UCLA, USC, MIT, UC Berkeley, and Princeton. Additionally, Mr. Ehrlich established a UCLA scholarship in honor of his late mother, supporting female public school graduates. Ortho High has recently been added to the evaluation criteria for this scholarship. Thank you, Mr. Ehrlich, for your continued commitment to empowering future generations!
Tigner and Gibson Estate Donates $20K for Advanced Imaging Center Posted on March 30, 2025April 16, 2025 by esw Earlier this month, the LuskinOIC Foundation received a third distribution from the Tigner and Gibson Estate. After discussions with the family, the $20,000 donation was designated to support the purchase of a Siemens MRI for LuskinOIC’s Advanced Imaging Center. Currently, pediatric patients face an average wait time of 2.5 months for an MRI due to limited Medi-Cal-approved providers. Last year alone, LuskinOIC patients waited a total of 59,500 days for their MRI. Delays in diagnosis can disrupt healing, keeping children on the sidelines for months. That’s why LuskinOIC is raising funds to build an Advanced Imaging Center to address this disparity. The families of Evert Tigner and Ian Gibson, longtime LuskinOIC donors, saw the impact this MRI could make and chose to allocate their gift toward its purchase. For more information about making an estate gift, contact Vice President Michael Sullivan at MichaelSullivan@mednet.ucla.edu.
Spring Training: How To Prevent Baseball And Softball Injuries In Youth Sports Posted on March 28, 2025May 1, 2025 by esw Spring is in full swing and that means baseball and softball season is upon us. While the excitement of the game, and the busy schedules that come with it, might be top of mind for young athletes, it’s the right time to remind them about the importance of injury prevention. Although baseball and softball aren’t contact sports, several common injuries can arise for youth athletes, often stemming from overuse of muscles and ligaments, improper stretching, or accidents that can lead to sprains, fractures, and concussions. Here, we’ll share some of the most common baseball and softball injuries to look out for and how to prevent them. Common Youth Baseball/Softball Sports Injuries Overuse injuries Throwing, pitching, swinging a bat, and running are all part of the game, but when done excessively, can lead to overuse injuries. These conditions are caused by repetitive movements without enough warm-up or rest, and often affect shoulders, elbows, arms, knees, or ankles. Two specific overuse injuries to watch for are Little League Elbow, which affects pitchers by causing pain in the inner side of the elbow, and Little League Shoulder, caused by stress to the arm bone nearest to the shoulder, causing a widening of its growth plate. This results in swelling and pain at the shoulder. Learn more about various Pediatric Overuse Injuries in our ultimate guide, here. Sprains and strains Sprains and strains are two of the most common injuries kids can get while playing sports. A sprain happens when a ligament gets stretched or torn, while a strain happens when a muscle or tendon gets hurt, but either typically happens during activities that involve quick moves, sharp turns, or pushing yourself too hard. Fractures From high-speed pitches gone wrong to line-drives when an outfielder isn’t paying attention, fractures can occur in a split second during a game. Broken bones commonly occur in the hands or wrists, but can occur from the ankles to the face if proper precautions aren’t in place. Concussions From a fly ball not caught properly to a batter not wearing a helmet during practice, and especially for catchers not wearing the proper protective gear, serious head injuries can occur during the game. Baseball and Softball Injury Prevention Remind your young athlete about the importance of safety. Always warm up before practice or a game. Stretch, run, throw, hit, and stay hydrated. Consider a physical exam prior to joining a team. Always wear the proper safety gear, including cleats, helmets, undergarments, and padding for catchers. Ensure fields are free of safety hazards and are in optimal playing condition. Prevent overuse injuries by switching out pitchers, by cross-training, and by not playing year-round. If pain does begin to occur from an overuse injury, see a sports medicine specialist. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, we recommend an appointment with our Sports Medicine team. We specialize in helping young athletes get back in the game, whether that’s team sports like soccer or football, individual sports like skateboarding or gymnastics, or PE class in school. Our team of experts tailor treatments to each child’s unique needs, addressing all aspects of our patients’ journey to recovery. Take a virtual tour of our Center for Sports Medicine.
March is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month: Here’s Why It Matters Posted on March 24, 2025May 1, 2025 by esw Every March, we spotlight cerebral palsy (CP), a condition affecting one in 345 children in the U.S. It’s a time to raise awareness, support individuals living with CP, and recognize the dedication of their caregivers. While March 25 is officially recognized as National CP Awareness Day, the entire month offers an opportunity to learn, share, and advocate. One of the most powerful ways to make a difference is through education. By gaining a better understanding of CP’s causes, symptoms, and effects, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate environment for individuals living with the condition and their caregivers. For instance, children living with CP often have the ability to lead a fulfilling life and achieve great things, such as one of our patient ambassadors, Scarlett. Scarlett may need a wheelchair for mobility, but she hasn’t let that get in the way of her goals. Scarlett dreams of becoming a voiceover actor. She’s even landed a role in a Disney show, voicing a character who, herself, needs a wheelchair to get around, furthering the mission of creating programs for young audiences that feature characters of all abilities. (Read an exciting interview with her here!) Ready to learn more about CP? Here’s what you should know about this lifelong condition. What causes cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by a brain injury or abnormal brain development before, during, or just after birth. Although it’s not a hereditary condition, some genetic factors may contribute to an increased chance of a CP diagnosis. Common causes of cerebral palsy include: Prenatal infections that affect fetal brain development during pregnancy Premature birth Birth asphyxia, or not enough oxygen during birth Low birth weight Traumatic brain injury just after birth What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is known to have a varying array of effects depending on the type of brain injury. There are four types of CP: spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed. Each diagnosis is based on movement and other issues caused by the condition, as CP can affect perception, sensations, and musculoskeletal or orthopaedic conditions in different ways for each person. It’s also known to be associated with epilepsy, vision problems, difficulty hearing, hip dislocation, and more. What are some challenges to living with cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy affects around one million people in the US. A person with CP requires three to five times more energy than an average person of the same age. One-third of adults report premature aging, some just after adolescence, often leading to a decline in mobility. That’s why approximately 40-50 percent of people with CP require the use of a wheelchair. There currently isn’t a cure, but various therapies can assist with enhancing quality of life. How to honor Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month: In addition to learning more about the condition, there are several ways to show support all month. Donate There are several organizations that support children living with CP, and LuskinOIC is one of them! The Cerebral Palsy Center at UCLA and Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children strives to enhance physical abilities and independence for children with cerebral palsy. Our interdisciplinary team of medical experts is committed to addressing this complex, multifaceted neurological disorder by emphasizing early diagnosis, comprehensive care, and individualized treatment. You can support directly here. Attend or Organize Local Events Different locations will tend to host fundraisers and other events on Awareness Day (March 25), which is also a great day to wear green, the official color of CP Awareness. The Cerebral Palsy Guide has some great ideas for hosting events at school and within the community. Here at LuskinOIC, we’ll be hosting our annual CP Camp from August 5-7, 2025. Located at our downtown campus, CP Camp was designed by the LuskinOIC Department of Rehabilitation as a way for children with CP to enjoy three days of inclusive activities, such as community building, adapted sports, arts and crafts, and daily group sessions. Learn more about last summer’s camp here. Spread the word! You can help bring awareness to more people by sharing education about CP, such as this blog post or a page from our resource library. If you share on social media, be sure to use the hashtag #GoGreen4CP. About Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children’s Cerebral Palsy Center in LA As the only interdisciplinary clinic in Los Angeles, the Cerebral Palsy Center is a leading institution in treating, researching, and educating on cerebral palsy. In collaboration with UCLA Medical Center, our cutting-edge biomechanical assessments, as well as research and clinical trial opportunities, are integral to our successful treatments. Learn more by watching our video:
Youth Soccer Safety: Common Injuries and How to Prevent Them Posted on March 13, 2025May 1, 2025 by esw Youth soccer is a widely enjoyed sport here in the Greater LA region, offering kids a wonderful way to stay active, learn teamwork skills, and make friends. Although there are many physical benefits of playing such an active sport with lots of dynamic movements, it’s also important to note that there are several common injuries that occur—some on the field, others over time. By gaining a better understanding of how these injuries occur, and how to prevent them, athletes can enjoy a safer sport and get back in the game quickly. Youth Soccer Thrives in LA First, here’s a little background. Did you know that the LAFC SoCal Youth team, part of the renowned Los Angeles Football Club—encompasses more than 4,000 players in its programs? Or that this club has secured six national championships and is renowned for its prowess on the soccer field? (The league itself, which operates throughout Southern California but includes Los Angeles County, currently contains more than 90,000 registered players across more than 4,600 teams.) Plus, the impressive Los Angeles Soccer Club (LASC) Boys 15U team reached the semifinals of the US Youth Soccer National Championships in 2024, showcasing the competitive spirit of LA’s youth soccer scene. Not to mention, we are also so proud to work with the DTLA Soccer League, a team of rising stars. (In case you missed it, the league was recently featured in the Spanish edition of the LA Times.) As you can see, youth soccer is alive and thriving in our community! Now: How do we ensure our players stay safe on and off the field? Youth Soccer Injury Prevention And Proper Training Proper Youth Soccer Gear is Key Let’s start with injury prevention before kids even get on the field. It’s crucial for youth soccer athletes to have the proper gear. That includes: Shin Guards to protect the shins and lower legs from kicks and other accidents that may cause injuries or fractures during the game. Guards should fit snugly under socks and cover from below the knee to just above the ankle Cleats made specifically for soccer allow for the sudden stops, turns, and pivots players make on the field without slipping and falling. Cleats should match the type of field (artificial turf or natural ground). Gloves for goalkeepers protect their hands, wrists, and fingers. They should fit snugly but allow movement. Mouthguards protect more than just the mouth! Yes, they prevent tooth and jaw injury, but can also help reduce the risk of a concussion. Loose-fitting moisture-wicking soccer clothes help to keep players cool on the field—much needed in our LA weather. Don’t forget sunscreen and extra water for hydration, even on cooler days. Youth Soccer Warm-up Exercises Ready to play? Start with these warm-up exercises. High-knee Jogging: Jog forward while lifting knees high toward the chest on each step to improve flexibility and warm up the hip flexors. Dynamic Leg Swings: While holding a wall with one hand, swing the opposite leg forward and backward for about 10 swings. Switch sides. This helps to engage hamstrings, quadriceps, and hips, while promoting balance and coordination. Squatting Side Shuffles: Squat slightly and shuffle sideways for about five seconds in one direction, then continue back the other direction to help with coordination and dynamic directional changes. Preventing Common Soccer Injuries Jumper’s Knee Patellar tendonitis, also called jumper’s knee, is inflammation in the band of tissue (the patellar tendon) that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This condition can best be prevented by having strong thigh muscles, but also by wearing properly fitting shoes and by adding a warm up and cool down routine. This is also known as an overuse injury, which can be avoided with adequate rest and conditioning. Read our Pediatric Overuse Injury Guide for more details. Shin Splints Running on hard surfaces and/or the use of improper footwear are common causes of this condition, which is marked by shin pain and tenderness. Shin splints occur when repetitive stress is put on the shinbone and its attached connective tissues, causing a dull ache along the inner part of the shin. Proper stretching, core and lower body strength training, and the right-fitting footwear can help prevent shin splints. ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tears The ACL is one of the four major ligaments in the knee and provides stability. A common ACL injury is a sprain or tear due to pivoting and twisting during sports like soccer, but also football, basketball, and tennis. Prevent this painful condition by strength training the hamstrings and quadriceps, avoiding overtraining, and by practicing proper landing techniques. Concussions A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur in contact sports or any activity with a risk of falling. While not always obvious, concussions should be taken seriously as they can have long-term consequences on a child’s health and cognitive function. Prevention can be difficult as these contact-injuries are often accidents on the field, but by ensuring coaches are properly trained (for example, headers should be avoided for children under age 10) and parents are informed of warning signs/symptoms, education becomes a form of prevention. You can also make sure your child understands the importance of reporting head injuries. There are also options for protective headgear. Fractures Soccer-related fractures (broken bones) can occur due to either repetitive stress or direct impact, and commonly occur in either the legs or wrists. Fractures require immediate attention; to learn all about fractures, view our Parent’s Guide to Understanding Fractures. What To Do When Soccer Injuries Occur Treatment for soccer injuries can be as simple as ice and rest, or as dire as casting or surgical intervention. That’s why it’s crucial to treat all injuries as quickly as possible. If your child or athlete is injured in the LA region, our Pediatric Urgent Care Center provides access to the best orthopaedic care for children, without the long waits of an emergency room visit to see a general physician. At LuskinOIC’s Urgent Care Center, orthopaedic doctors and staff provide essential urgent and trauma medical care to children with broken bones and musculoskeletal injuries. The Importance of Rest Rest is typically the first step toward injury recovery. Although it may be difficult for a driven young athlete to restrict or stop activities for a period of time, sticking to a doctor’s treatment plan can allow for faster recovery. We want to see you get back in the game, too! Return to Sports Program Our expert Sports Medicine team uses cutting-edge research to assess the physical and mental/emotional readiness for young athletes to return to their favorite activities post-injury. From evaluating limb symmetry to analyzing neuromotor control, our expert physicians guide athletes and families toward a safe return to the sports and activities they love. At LuskinOIC, it’s not just about having the most innovative technology—it’s also about accessible expertise, often provided free of charge, making us the top choice for an athlete to get back in the game. We aim to provide outstanding musculoskeletal medical assistance for all children and we’re here for you if an unexpected wrist injury happens. Learn more about our caring team of experts at LuskinOIC.
Helping Kids Heal: Rehab for Injuries & Chronic Conditions Posted on March 11, 2025May 1, 2025 by esw Sports injuries, chronic illness, and neurological conditions can all play a huge part in how a child goes about his or her daily life. The right orthopaedic treatment for these conditions, however, can foster a sense of confidence, independence, and fulfillment. At LuskinOIC, our specialized pediatric orthopaedic rehabilitation can treat a number of ailments, such as sports injuries, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, or hip dysplasia, through our world-class Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Center. Our treatment plans and programs offer orthopaedic therapy for both musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, because healing often goes beyond physical injury. Let’s explain more about our Rehabilitation Center and what parents or guardians can expect in terms of healing. How can pediatric orthopaedic care help sports injuries and chronic illness? From state-of-the-art therapies to treatment plans that can be continued at home, our care programs include: Dynamic Injury Prevention Program Exercises for Return to Pitching Foam Roller Exercises Knee Strengthening Exercises Medial Patella Femoral Ligament (MPFL) Reconstruction Meniscal Repair Shoulder Exercises And advanced technology such as CoreAlign equipment which assists with posture, balance, and functional movement; AlterG, a gravity-eliminating treadmill that combines precision unweighting technology with real-time gait analytics and video feedback, and our therapy suite. What to expect during treatment: Our approach to pediatric physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy starts with education. It’s important for you and your child to understand rehabilitation goals and plans, to ensure steady healing. This also tends to remove any fears the child might have in terms of recovery or a future outlook. Here, we aim to help your child develop a confident mindset as part of their healing journey. While our on-site therapy is a crucial part of the progress, home-care is just as important. For many conditions, you’ll receive at-home exercises that are an important step toward recovery. A typical pediatric orthopaedic rehabilitation treatment plan First, we begin with determining the impact of an illness or injury on your child’s ability to move and function in daily life and in sports. Next, we’ll devise a rehabilitation plan tailored to help your child regain function, including range of motion and coordination. From there, we can provide the tools needed to implement the rehabilitation program both on-site and plans for care at home. Because post-recovery prevention is also important, we’ll offer continued support to help your child reach their goals and prevent symptoms or injuries from worsening or recurring. What conditions can be treated at LuskinOIC’s Rehabilitation Center? Not only do we specialize in physical therapy and occupational therapy for all ages and developmental stages from infant to adolescents, but we can treat a wide range of conditions. This includes: Orthopedic injuries like fractures, sprains, strains, muscle and ligament tears, joint bleeds, etc. Musculoskeletal and neurological conditions like torticollis, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, post-cancer rehab, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, dysplasia, radial aplasia, hypoplastic thumb, limb loss, clubfoot, and more. Post-surgery rehabilitation and recovery Health conditions that impact bone joints, mobility and function Toe Walking: A condition in which a child walks on the balls of their feet. Flexible Flatfeet: A common condition in children where the arches of the foot are visible while sitting, but disappear upon standing. The arch reappears when a child stands on their toes or the toes are hyperextended. Our goal is more than simply treating a condition; it’s about whole-child healing from mindset to post-recovery wellness. Our team of experts can walk you through every phase of your child’s recovery journey. To learn more about LuskinOIC’s Rehabilitation Center, watch our educational video below!