Pain during adolescence
Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and increases the risk of certain injuries. Adolescent athletes are at an increased risk of injury as their skeleton has not matured and during periods of rapid growth will develop tight muscles if not regularly stretching. Adolescent athletes typically increase their training volume with age which is another major risk factor for injury. Some common injuries are:
Apophysitis (includes Osgood-Schlatter/ Severs disease)
Apophysitis is an overuse injury that occurs with repetitive stress at the site where the tendon attaches onto immature bone. Apophysitis can occur in many areas of the body and often occurs during a rapid period of growth or an acute increase in activity (carnivals, overlapping school/ club sport).
Postural lower back/ neck pain
During growth awareness of body position/ posture is affected. In combination with increased hours sitting due to school or technology (TV, phone, computer, heavy school bag etc.), postural pain in adolescence is very common. Improving posture and muscular conditioning is helpful in resolving this pain.
Stress reaction/fracture
While less common it is important that bone related pain is diagnosed early and treated to prevent serious injury. Lower back stress fractures are a common injury in sports involving repetitive extension (bending backward) such as dancing, gymnastics and cricket (bowlers). Stress fractures in the feet may occur with repetitive jumping/landing or running.
Your physiotherapist can accurately assess your concern and provide a specific management program. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to call us on 3245 4532.
Kind Regards,
Capalaba Physio Works