Back to school ….. Safely back to sport!
Research suggests that the highest injury rates occur in September each year when growing bodies start to feel the effects of the “too much too soon” return to sport. As children return to sport, eager to join clubs, and teams and attend trials often in several sports. The sudden spike in load and intensity of sport can be a shock to young bodies after months off from competitive sport.
Athletes of all ages can cope with incredibly high volumes of activity …if their bodies are given time to adapt and get strong enough to tolerate the higher load. In adults, when we start a new sport or a marathon training programme, we build up gradually and allow the body time to adapt to the new activity. Yet in children, we often fail to adopt these same principles. Some children can return to full-on activity with no problems. However, those who are going through a growth spurt, have poor nutrition or are new to a sport have a lower tolerance. If your child has a history of niggly pains then try this approach:
How to reintroduce kids back to sport
- Week 1 – Add school PE lessons
- Week 2 – Add school clubs
- Week 3 – Add out of school sports
When it comes to a child that plays multiple sports, try not to add them all back straight away.
Children that start to get recurrent sore throats, niggly pains and seem very tired will benefit from a few rest days when they can catch up on sleep and allow their bodies to adapt to what is being asked of them.
If you need more help on an individual basis with any aspect of injury or athlete development please do email info@angelajacksonphysio.com
If you would like to learn about how to implement return to sport protocols and develop confidence in knowing when an athlete is ready to return to sport, then email me for more details on my practical day course From Assessment to Return to Play in the Junior Athlete or learn online with Active Kids Are Not Mini Adults.
You can learn more about our credentials and passion for helping young people stay safe in sport here About Us.
