As teenagers undergo rapid physical growth and engage in various activities, they may encounter musculoskeletal issues and injuries. Osteopathy, a whole body approach to healthcare, offers valuable benefits for teenagers by addressing their unique needs. From sporting injuries to preventative screening and overall well-being, osteopathy provides a holistic approach for teenage wellbeing.
Why Would a Teenager Need to See an Osteopath?
Teenagers often experience physical stress due to their active lifestyles, growth spurts, and developmental changes. Osteopaths are trained in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. Whether it's addressing acute injuries or more chronic pain issues; osteopaths look at the body as a whole but also other lifestyle factors that may be contributing. Osteopaths may use a mixture of hands on therapy, exercise prescription and advice to help.
What do osteopaths commonly see in teenagers who present to Summit Osteopathy?
Due to the combination of growth spurts and some teenagers increasing their sporting activity greatly there are some common overuse injuries that can occur such as:
Stress fractures: Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress and inadequate rest. Teenagers that participate in high impact sports such as gymnastics, cricket and high jump may be more likely to experience these.
Osgood Schlatter’s Disease: is a swelling or irritation of the growth plate at the top of the shinbone just below the kneecap. It can occur during a growth spurt in a child that is involved in a lot of running or jumping activities.
Tendonitis: Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons- this is the area where muscles attach onto bone. Tendons don’t have as much blood supply as other areas so may take longer to heal. Tendonitis may happen in a teen swimmer for example in their shoulders if they have increased their freestyle training substantially.
Hip/ knee/ ankle pain associated with sporting injuries
Lower back pain associated with sports such as cricket, football and gymnastics
Osteopaths can help teenage athletes manage a range of injuries commonly seen in adolescents, associated with a growing, active body such as knee pain, tendonitis, lower back pain.
Osteopathy for teenage spinal health
There may be certain conditions that osteopaths can screen for in teenagers as well as other postural issues affecting their spine. Osteopaths can conduct preventive screenings to identify potential musculoskeletal issues before they become serious problems. Early intervention can help teenagers avoid long-term discomfort and complications.
Kyphosis: Kyphosis refers to an excessive forward rounding of the upper back leading to a hunched posture. It can develop in adolescence due to poor posture. Scheurmann’s disease is a condition that may also cause this that may present at this time.
Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that may develop over time. Osteopaths may help with exercises but also have the ability to refer to practitioners specialised in scoliosis management.
In the absence of pathology, teenagers often are increasing their homework load, screen time and lugging around heavier backpacks which may contribute to back pain and headaches. There may be areas of the body that are overly tight and inflexible and other areas that need to be strengthened. Using manual therapy and exercises osteopaths may help to enhance teenager’s mobility and flexibility.
When to not see an Osteopath/Seek other care first
Suspected acute fractures- eg the child has sustained an injury and is not able to weight bear or move the affected limb
Pain that involves a rash, fever or other systemic symptoms
Pain that is causing nausea or vomiting
Any concussion event needs to be reviewed and managed by a GP before seeking care with an osteopath
Things to know before seeing an osteopath:
Osteopaths ask a lot of questions! We send a new patient form that may be helpful to go through with your teen but we will also ask quite a lot during the appointment- so come prepared!
We need a legal guardian present in the treatment room for children 14 years and younger.
At Summit Osteopathy, we tend to not see children under the age of 10. We have wonderful, local osteopaths that we can refer you to - you’re welcome to write us an enquiry below and our team will get back to you with the details!
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave us a note below and one of our clinicians can connect with you. There is no requirement to speak with us before you book you or your teenager in. All of our bookings are online, and you can access our diary with the button below. All of our communications are managed via email and any contact forms you find on the website.
Author:
Emily Nelson, Osteopath
Summit Osteopathy