GUIDEING YOUNG ATHLTES THROUGH PERIODS OF POSTPONED ACTIVITIES

1.    Measure growth regularly

During growth spurts, children can grow over 10cm in a year. This is the period when symptoms such as heel and knee pain become most prevalent. It is important to note that this is a normal process of growth. Measuring height every 6-8 weeks can help identify whether the child may be going through a growth spurt or not. This can then be communicated to players and coaches as to why the child is sore around trainings and games.

2.   Within safety guidelines, keep as active as possible when activities are postponed

Often injuries happen in the 3-4 weeks following a break from organised activities. As an example, if organised activities are postponed for 4 weeks, it is vital to keep children as active as possible if safe to do so. This can include things like running at the park, kicking the ball or jumping on the trampoline in the backyard 3-4 days per week. It helps to maintain load so that when organised activity returns, it is not a shock to the body.

3.   Commence basic bodyweight strength training

The research shows that basic bodyweight strength training in children is safe. It allows them to improve strength and have more capacity to deal with the loads that they are exposed to during training and games. Often this leads to less growing pain due to the muscles taking the load off the fast growing bones.  

At PEAK, Physiotherapist Aaron is qualified in growth and maturation for youth athletes. He is able to assess where the young athlete is at in terms of their growth, and develop a management plan to enable them to keep playing and having fun in their chosen activity. If you have any questions, give us a call on 3399 3318.

DREAM BIG

Aaron Hull

Physiotherapist

PEAK