Summer is full of beach and pool days, later bedtimes, maybe a pickup game here and there. Then, almost overnight, it’s two-a-day practices in the August heat for the athletes, and long hours on the field for our marching band kids, while the rest of the family is settling back into early mornings, longer school days, and heavier backpacks. That sudden shift from a relaxed summer to a much busier fall routine is one of the most common reasons kids of all kinds end up dealing with aches, pains, or worse as the season gets going. The good news is that most of these setbacks are preventable with a little planning.
Shin splints, sore knees, and ankle tweaks are often signs that a growing body was asked to do a little too much before it was ready. Kids’ bones and joints are still developing, and rapid increases in running, jumping, and cutting can outpace what their bodies have conditioned for over the summer. If your child mentions the same ache more than once, it’s worth getting checked out rather than assuming it’s just normal soreness.
If your child’s team doesn’t already have a structured pre-season ramp-up, try to build in some lighter conditioning during the last few weeks of summer, a little running, agility work, or even just consistent activity a few times a week can make the transition to full practices much smoother.
It’s easy to overlook, but a summer growth spurt can mean last year’s cleats no longer fit. Ill-fitting shoes are a surprisingly common contributor to blisters, ankle instability, and even knee and hip pain.
Practices for fall sports often start during the hottest stretch of the year, so make sure your child is drinking water throughout the day, not just at practice. Water should be your main source of hydration, but if there’s excessive sweating, an electrolyte drink may be needed to help replenish what’s lost. Encourage them to speak up if they’re feeling overheated or unusually fatigued.
And it’s not just athletes who feel the effects of the season change. Long days of sitting and heavy backpacks can take a real toll on posture, and lead to nagging back discomfort in any child, whether they play a sport or not. A properly fitted backpack, worn on both shoulders, goes a long way.
With a bit of preparation, the risk of these setbacks, on the field or in the classroom, can be reduced dramatically, or avoided altogether. If your child does experience an injury or ongoing discomfort this season, make sure they get checked out by a professional. Physical therapists are a great local resource, both for recovery and for screenings that can catch small issues before they become bigger problems.
Professional Rehabilitation Services is an outpatient physical therapy clinic, owned by physical therapists, and we have been honored to service the Grand Strand since 2004. If you would like more information, give us a call at (843) 831-0163 or visit our website at www.prsrehabservices.com.
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