Be it little league, swim team, T-ball or the high school gridiron, our young athletes are on the move and in need of support to keep them not only play ready but also healthy in every growth stage. Roughly 60 million kids between 6-17 years of age participate in organized sports, which is 54% of America’s youth. All young people, but young athletes in particular, have to learn to properly care for their growing bodies and may notice personal health issues that require care. From nutrition guidance to neuromusculoskeletal care, Chiropractic has a long history of supporting athletes. The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) better defines the ways in which chiropractic care can be implemented for young athletic populations in their article “Tips to Support Student Athletes”.
Chiropractors and athletics organizations have worked hand in hand for decades. Sports chiropractors are regularly referred to and utilized at the young student-athlete level, especially when injuries have occurred. Yet the clearest prevalence of chiropractic care is seen at the professional level of sports, with DCs incorporated as executive members of medical staff for 90 percent of pro sports organization, such as all National Hockey League teams and NFL teams, and the majority of Major League Baseball dugouts. DCs not only treat and manage the injuries of elite athletes, but they also apply preventive strategies and make suggestions that can enhance performance. These benefits can be greater utilized in the lower levels of sport with our younger athletes, with the added benefit of supporting their growth to build stronger, healthier athletes and people.
How to Best Strengthen Young Athletes’ Health and Potential
- Regular Physicals and Exams
Consistent monitoring and examination are recommended to establish a baseline for overall health and catch possible underlying conditions early on. Heart issues, joint problems and other ailments could lead to injury during play or other complications. DCs can provide physicals as well as spinal exams, working in tandem with other professionals to promote the overall health of their patients on and off the field.
- Screenings and Good Posture:
Scoliosis screenings are paramount during the years of development to detect potential cases early and in order to monitor and manage the condition appropriately. Scoliosis can interfere with posture, balance and agility. In severe cases, it can even affect the functioning of internal organs. DCs routinely perform scoliosis checks and can provide backpack safety advice to prevent spinal or shoulder injury. Chiropractic assessments also include observation of spinal curves and gait (walking style). When irregular findings are noted, such as over-pronation in feet or the dreaded Tech Neck in the cervical spine, adjustment or correction will be administered or prescribed as necessary in order to prevent future damage or deformity.
- Deal with Injuries As Soon As Possible.
Once an injury occurs, it should be evaluated as soon as possible to avoid possible ongoing distress. It isn’t always readily apparent how bad an injury is, so whether it’s a bump to the head, a sprain/strain or other extremity disruption, prompt evaluation is recommended to hopefully prevent new or worsening symptoms through early care. DCs have specialized training to assess injuries on site or in an office setting, offering care that facilitates safe, efficient healing to get you off the bench as soon as possible.
- Drug-free Care Options
Be very careful with your approach to pain management, especially in regard to young people with developing minds and bodies. Use caution when choosing to use prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers, as these can create a dependence and as possibly cause damage to organs, such as the liver. Entirely masking pain can also be problematic as the lack of pain cues can result in additional injury.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to explore alternative, drug-free pain management methods when appropriate. Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to reduce pain while simultaneously optimizing tissue repair and function without the use of medication.
- Take Notice of All Growth Spurts.
If a kid suddenly shoots up five inches over the summer, that is a significant health event that should be measured. Agility factors heavily into personal and athletic performance, so growth spurts must be taken into account in order to maintain health and maximized physicality. The child or teen is periodically relearning what is needed to maneuver a taller or larger body.
Chiropractic care works to help growing athletes understand strategies to aid balance, stability and flexibility to accommodate a changing body while still keeping their game strong. The goal is to optimize joint function, which in turn can mitigate growing pains. Your DC can offer tailored exercises to combat imbalances as well. Please remember to inform them of any growth spurts.
- Drink Plenty of Water.
Water is of course vital for every living thing, but especially athletes given the extra toll taken on the body. Water flushes out waste in the body, regulates body temperature, protects tissues, and serves as lubrication and cushioning for joints. Whatever water is lost in athletic pursuit must be replenished.
With that said, too much water intake can dilute the needed sodium in the blood. Sometimes athletes overhydrate during long or intense exercise, unsure of the right amount their body needs. If too much water is consumed, the kidneys can’t expel the excess and, therefore, the sodium in the blood is diluted in a condition called hyponatremia. Hyponatremia can be life-threatening in extreme cases, so having knowledge of your personal hydration needs is important.
As with many other health issues related to sports, DCs can help student-athletes understand the right amount of hydration they need and discuss the best products for optimized hydration and replenished electrolytes.
Life University: Educating Future Pediatric and Sports Chiropractors
Here at Life University, we pride ourselves on equipping future chiropractors to pursue excellence in countless specialties of the profession. This includes Pediatric Chiropractic and Sport Chiropractic, both specialties that serve young athletes every day. We are honored to serve as the educational catalyst propelling the chiropractic profession and young athletes forward into a healthier, happier tomorrow.
References (from original F4CP article):
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db441.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_chiropractic
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7914771/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22093-sports-injuries
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29470104/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8336541/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
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