PT & ORTHO Program Q&A

>> Does your athlete complain of shoulder pain after baseball practice or games?

They might have limited rotation in the middle of their back (the thoracic spine) that is causing increased strain on the shoulders. Addressing mobility in the whole mechanical chain is important to avoid overuse injury.

>> Does your child tell you their back is sore when they come home from school?

Check the fit and weight of their backpack. It should rest along their low back and be no more than 10% of their body weight. If pain continues, have your child’s core and posture evaluated to prevent future injury.

>> Does your child stand with slumped shoulders?

This can contribute to increased back pain as they grow and affect the balance of their muscles during activity. Postural deficits need to be addressed as soon as possible to ensure growth with good mechanical alignment.

>> Does your athlete get shin splints at the start of every season?

Shin splints are usually caused from a muscle imbalance between the lower legs and the hips. Strengthening both of these areas can help maintain the health and safety of their lower body.

>> Does your child complain of knee pain after walking a moderate distance and/or when going up stairs?

Knee pain in children (especially in girls who have recently entered puberty) is often due to a combination weakness of the quadricep muscle in the front of the leg and poor movement patterns of the hips. Addressing these movement mechanics will not only decrease your child’s pain, but will help them have improved joint health as they continue to grow.

>> What does your child’s sitting posture look like?

Having poor posture is a concern for children as they grow. Posture is important for maintaining good muscle balance, maintaining focus at school, and ensuring proper breathing mechanics. Addressing your child’s postural weaknesses will help them grow in strength and improve their movement patterns.

>> Does your child breathe through their mouth?

Mouth breathing is associated with decreased lung efficiency and can affect your child’s posture over time. Learning to breathe correctly will improve the strength of muscles, improve their posture, help them have more oxygenated blood and allow them to focus better/have more energy.

>> Does your athlete walk on their toes?

Excessive toe walking can affect the growth and development of the lower leg. It is important to improve their walking mechanics and strengthen their legs so that they improve safety in their bones, joints, and muscles as they grow.

>> Does your child have a history of frequent concussions?

Multiple concussions are linked to having decreased coordination and balance. Improving these 2 things will help them have better participation in school and in their favorite sport.

>> Does your athlete roll their ankles often?

Having weak ankles puts your child at increased risk for ankle injury. Muscle deficits and imbalances will need to be addressed to improve their safety during running and jumping.

>> Does your soccer player experience leg pain?

The hamstring is often associated with leg pain. Tightness and/or weakness in this area can lead to injury over time. Addressing the hamstring and surrounding muscles will improve your child’s ability to run, jump and squat safely.