Physiotherapy For Teenagers and Children in Adelaide

Why Is Physiotherapy Important for Kids?

Teenagers and upper primary school-aged children can experience pain and growing issues that require Physiotherapy. Our physiotherapists are skilled in helping teenagers with their sports, activities, and poor posture throughout their development.

Teenagers who play sports often have busy schedules in several sports they are involved in, leading a very active life. It’s not uncommon for teenagers to over-train, strain or injure themselves during games and training. 

As teenager’s and children’s bodies are still growing, they need time to recover. Coaches and parents often push children and teenagers to excel in their sport. However, sometimes, with hard work, their bodies are pushed beyond their limits. Due to this, teenagers can develop overuse injuries from repetitive activity or even repetitive inactivity. 

What if my child doesn’t play sports?

You may not have a sporty teenager, but rather one who prefers playing computer games or scrolling through their phones. These types of sedentary activities are often related to poor posture.  

These teenagers are suffering from repetitive inactivity and can develop muscle imbalances. These imbalances cause posture pain sore, tight muscles and inflammatory issues, but physiotherapy can help address them. Simply getting up and moving out of these positions will not be enough to reverse the developing postural imbalances. 

Muscle imbalances and poor posture in teenagers are now more often caused by inactivity than activity.  Poor posture can cause headaches and lethargy, often leading to more inactivity.  It is essential for muscle imbalances to be addressed and poor posture corrected.  

If you or your child are experiencing pain, it is essential to be assessed by a physiotherapist as soon as possible. Reporting it early will help to avoid further injuries before they worsen. 

Benefits of Teens and Kids Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for kids aged 10 and up supports recovery from injuries, improves physical performance, and enhances overall well-being. Through evidence-based physiotherapy, it strengthens flexibility, coordination, and body awareness. This helps children build confidence, manage pain, and support physical development.

Key Benefits of Kids Physiotherapy

• Injury Recovery:

• • Provides tailored physiotherapy services to heal sports-related injuries, including ankle sprains and muscle strains.
  • Helps adolescents recover efficiently through comprehensive assessments and evidence-based approaches.

• Improved Physical Performance:

• • Enhances strength, balance, and endurance for kids and adolescents during growth stages.
  • Supports a child’s physical development with physiotherapy programs focused on sports or similar activities.

• Holistic Health Benefits:

• • Promotes mental well-being and confidence in a relaxed and friendly environment.
  • Encourages better posture, addressing musculoskeletal conditions for long-term health benefits.

Why Choose Physiotherapy for Kids and Teens?

Teens and kids physio is tailored to the needs of children over 10 years using age-appropriate treatment methods. With a focus on helping children reach their potential, these services ensure safe, effective, and family-friendly care.

There are many common injuries specific to teenagers: 

• Achilles Tendonitis Tendinopathy – pain at the back of the ankle and abnormal strain to the inner aspect of the Achilles tendon. This is due to excessive rolling in the foot. 
• Anterior Ankle Impingement – pain at the front of the ankle joint. 
• Knee Bursitis – inflammation in the bursa inside and around the knee. 
• Femoral-acetabular impingement – pain at the front of the hip. 
• Gluteal tendinopathy is a common cause of pain on the side of the hip. 
• Greater Trochanteric Hip Pain Syndrome – causes pain at the side of the hip. 
• High Ankle Sprain – sprain of the joint that connects the tibia and fibula bones together in the lower leg. 
• Hip Labral tear – damage to the cartilage surrounding the hip joint. 
• Iliotibial Friction Band Syndrome – commonly called runners knee – pain at the outer side of your knee joint. 
• Tibialis posterior tendinopathy – excessive load on this arch stabilising muscle. 
• Plantar fasciitis – excessive load on the plantar fascia supporting the foot arch. 
• Shin Splints – excessive foot rolling causes your lower leg muscles to apply altered force to the tibia bone. 
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome – Poor ankle movement prevents the standard track of the kneecap, resulting in pain in the front of the knee.
• Plica Syndrome – synovial membrane on the inner knee that flicks over the medial epicondyle of the tibial bone. 
• Posterior Ankle Impingement – pain at the back of the ankle, common in ballet dancers, gymnasts, and football players. 
• Retro-calcaneal bursitis – inflammation of the bursa at the back of the ankle. 
• Severs Disease – inflammation of the growth plate in the heel of children and teenagers. 
• Spondylolysis – stress fracture of the lumbar spine. 
• Sprained Ankle – over-stretching of ankle ligaments commonly after rolling your ankle. 
• Stress Fractures of the foot – compression of the Tibial Nerve as it travels through the Tarsal Tunnel in your foot. 
• Hypermobility. 
• Compartment Syndrome – excessive blood pressure within the arm or leg after an injury or direct trauma. 
• Growth-related pain – often occurring at the hip, knee, or ankle joints, these can cause pain with sports or movement. City Physio’s physiotherapists are highly qualified to identify specific issues in teenagers. They can provide the correct treatment and rehabilitation and will refer for appropriate scans. 

Teenage Strength and Conditioning & Lifting Weights 

More teenagers are going to the gym or lifting weights at home without professional supervision or proper lifting techniques. Most injuries related to lifting weights, including epiphyseal plate fractures and lower back injuries, are related to misuse of equipment. Misuses can result from lifting weights that are too heavy, improper form, or lack of supervision. 

Our Physiotherapists are experts in strength training and can teach your teenagers proper exercises and lifting techniques. They will assist with the course of their exercises to avoid injury and get the most out of your training.  

City Physiotherapy’s Approach to Kids Physiotherapy

City Physiotherapy in Adelaide CBD provides personalised care through a multidisciplinary approach and evidence-based therapy. Their team of musculoskeletal physiotherapists offers physiotherapy services in a relaxed and friendly environment designed to help children thrive.

Unique Aspects of City Physiotherapy

• Personalised Treatment:

• • Musculoskeletal physiotherapists develop therapy plans to address specific needs, from musculoskeletal conditions to posture issues.
    Work closely with parents to set realistic goals and monitor progress.

• Holistic and Multidisciplinary Care:

• • Combines physiotherapy services to support both mental and physical well-being.
  • Integrates a multidisciplinary approach to provide high quality care.

• Evidence-Based Practices:

• • It relies on evidence-based physiotherapy to ensure long-term benefits for a child’s physical development.
  • Measures progress through comprehensive assessments and regular reviews.

Family-Centred Support

City Physiotherapy prioritises the family experience by offering a friendly environment and clear communication. Their clinic’s central location in Adelaide CBD makes it accessible for parents seeking professional care for their children over the age of 10.

Please note we do not provide paediatric physiotherapy. This means we do not treat babies, infants or children under 10 years old. We do not offer specialised paedicatric services for children with neurological issues or children with a disability requiring specialised physiotherapy care. Our physiotherapy services for the treatment of children and teenagers are related explicitly to musculoskeletal issues.

Sports Physiotherapy for Young Athletes

Sports therapy combines experience and evidence-based techniques to optimise performance, prevent injuries, and ensure adequate recovery.

Tailored Treatments for Sports-Related Injuries

• Injury-Specific Care:

• • Addresses common injuries like ankle sprains or ligament tears through targeted therapy.
  • Physiotherapists work closely with adolescents to prevent recurring injuries.

• Performance Enhancement:

• • Provides strength training, flexibility exercises, and conditioning plans for sport-specific needs.
  • Uses evidence-based methods to improve teen athletes’ speed, agility, and endurance.

• Injury Risk Management:

• • Evaluates biomechanics to identify potential injury risks early.
  • Offers therapy solutions for musculoskeletal conditions common in active kids.

• Psychological Resilience:

1. • Builds confidence and addresses the emotional impact of injuries.
   • Supports adolescent athletes in maintaining focus and motivation during recovery.

Combined Experience for Optimal Care

City Physiotherapy’s team brings extensive experience to provide hands-on, supporting young athletes from ages 10 and up.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Conditions Can Kids Physiotherapy Treat?

Kids physiotherapy treats musculoskeletal conditions, growth-related pain, and sports injuries. It also helps manage pain, improve movement, and support a child’s physical development.

Is Physiotherapy Safe for Children and Teenagers?

Yes, physiotherapy is entirely safe. Our physiotherapists tailor treatment to a child’s age and stage of development.

How Often Should My Child Visit a Physiotherapist?

Depending on the child’s needs, appointments may range from weekly sessions to monthly follow-ups. A comprehensive assessment will determine the best schedule.

How Can Physiotherapy Help with My Child’s Sports Injury?

Physiotherapy helps with recovery, injury prevention, and athletic performance optimisation. It focuses on strengthening and conditioning tailored to your child’s sport.

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