The school year is coming up, as we prepare our kids to go back to school, have you thought about how school can impact on your child’s musculoskeletal health? They’re spending a lot of time sitting in the classrooms and running around the playground. A common question in the physiotherapy clinic is about kids posture. It is important to note that the occasional slouched back and forward head posture will not cause musculoskeletal issues. However, prolonged positions in any posture can elicit neck and back pain. Strong back muscles can help kids maintain that upright posture when they are sitting in class and when they carry their school bags to school. A posture with correct alignment of the body can assist your muscles to perform in their most efficient state. If your bones and muscles are always in that slouched position then the muscles will work at an mechanical disadvantage and place more load on your body. This issue is also often exacerbated due to the prevalence of electronic devices. In this generation, many kids are using mobile phones, tablets and laptops for many hours for entertainment. At Myphysio, we strongly believe that active kids are healthy kids, we often recommend parents to limit their kids screen time and encourage regular movement after prolonged sitting periods.
Physiotherapy can help with strengthening postural muscles to help decrease occurrences of neck and back pain. Our physiotherapists can also provide activity modification advice to help promote a healthy neck and back. A common school postural issue is the weight of the school backpack on the kids. Did you know the school backpack should be approximately 10% of your child’s bodyweight? The items in the backpack should only include the essential items. Extra weight on their school back can make your child lean forward and put unnecessary strain on the spine and muscles and may lead to injuries. The heaviest item should be placed closest to the child to evenly load the spine. The backpack should fit comfortably and they should not need to grow into it.
Physiotherapist are musculoskeletal health professionals who focuses on the assessment, treatment and prevention of movement injuries. Our physiotherapists can perform a detailed postural analysis, they will be able to identify any underlying biomechanical issues that can be contributing to your kids postural pain. After the assessment, our physiotherapist can provide you with a customised treatment program. Book an appointment today. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram for tips on managing injuries.
In the month of February 2024, Myphysio is offering GAP FREE initial consultation for school kids. Mention FB50 at checkout to receive your discount and get your health journey started with an experienced physiotherapists.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care professional. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your health care provider.