Children and Teens
At all stages of their development.
Why do Children and Teens need treatment?
Treatments can benefit children and teens at all stages of their development. Parents may not immediately consider that children and teenagers need Physiotherapy or Osteopathic help after an injury. Younger people responded well to supportive treatments and respond well to exercises.
Younger people experience tremendous changes from childhood to adulthood and are generally very resilient and recover well. Toddlers appear to withstand some pretty severe falls, and everyone can remember watching a toddler tripping as they learn to walk. These are part of a complete and fun life, and it is impossible to stop children from learning alone.
It’s suggested that physical habits learnt during childhood and adolescence will help determine health, posture and physical function throughout life. As our bodies adapt to the stresses and strains of growing up, it’s essential to maintain good physical health, especially during childhood and the teenage years. We feel that it is emotionally and physically important to be free from pain and physical restrictions. At the same time, it is unnecessary to assume that we would go to a Physiotherapist or Osteopath for every slip and bump that occurs. Conversely, during high-impact, strenuous sporting activity periods, it is essential to maintain regular check-ups here and there to allow the body to compensate for all the growing, sporting activities and falling that kids do.
Kids Have a High Impact Lifestyle
The enormous changes throughout the body may lead to pain and developmental growth problems throughout the teen years. These physical changes, combined with increased high-impact, strenuous sporting activity, may irritate bones and muscles. Sitting posture is particularly important due to the long hours spent in front of the TV, Ipads, laptops and computers. Advice on possible poor posture (teenage slump) may help break lifelong habits early in life. These postural habits may often lead to pain in joints and muscles.
Unfortunately, bad habits can cause problems in later years. As with adults, the fewer physical restrictions in the body, the more they can cope with any accident or trauma. Furthermore, if a child is complaining of persistent or recurring pain, it may be necessary to see an Osteopath or Physiotherapist for advice and treatment. If children and teenagers need an orthopaedic referral, we would be the first to let you know.
Regardless of age, treatment on younger people is performed as gently as possible and with the patient’s consent. Our practitioners are kind and thoughtful And used to children. Teenagers need to know that they will not be hurt when seeking treatment. At the Hatfield Practice, we have many toys and books and keep visits as relaxed and fun as possible. We feel it’s unreasonable to expect a child to sit in a dull, sterile treatment room for up to an hour without activity or WiFi. We always aim to keep everything fun and upbeat.
