Youth sports injuries are almost inevitable. But how long recovery from injury will take depends on proper sports injury management and rehabilitation.

Acute youth sports injuries, such as a sprained ankle, or moderate to severe strain, should be seen by your child's primary care physician, who can help you decide if a referral to a sports injury specialist, such as an orthopedist, is required.

If the doctor advises your child to stay out of sports for a period of time, here are the six steps that experts say your child should complete in rehabilitation and treatment of the injury before returning to play.