The school year is in full swing, which for many parents means taking their children back and forth from sports practice, watching games on the weekend and trying to make sure there’s always something quick and healthy on-hand to eat as the schedule gets hectic!
Your child’s nutritional health isn’t the only thing to be concerned about as sports season heats up. Many student athletes experience back pain as a result of their involvement, usually due to strain or over-extension. Today, Core Physical Therapy is going to cover some of the things you can do to help your child address back pain caused by sports involvement:
- Hot and Cold Therapy
This involves switching between an ice pack and a heating pad on the area that hurts. Have them apply the hot or cold pack for 20 minutes a day several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and loosen tight muscles. - Core exercises
Did you know that the abdomen helps support the spine? By having your child perform core exercises, they can prevent back pain in the future. It can also help them recover faster if they have hurt their back. - Anti-Inflammatory medication
Over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can not only decrease the pain, they can also lower inflammation. - Physical Therapy
If treating your athlete’s back pain on your own just doesn’t seem to be cutting it, physical therapy could be your answer. We have a special program specifically to address spinal pain, and can tailor a program that address a patient’s specific need. - Spinal Manipulation
This particular method works by putting pressure on the lower spine, which can help with blood flow, flexibility and tension. It’s not a method you should try at home, but rather should see a qualified professional (such as physical therapist) to have performed.
At Core PT, we’re here to help you get to the core of your pain! In the state of Iowa, most insurance companies don’t require that you have a doctor’s note to see a physical therapist, so feel free to reach out to us today!