PT for Active Families

Active Kids, Active Care

As parents, you want your kids to stay active, healthy, and happy. Whether they’re scoring goals on the soccer field, practicing flips at gymnastics, or simply running around the neighborhood, kids are full of energy. But with activity comes the risk of injury, growing pains, and postural challenges—things that can slow them down or lead to long-term issues if not addressed early.

This is where physical therapy steps in. At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we provide expert care for active kids and teens, offering solutions for sports injuries, posture concerns, and more. By making PT your first line of care, you can help your child recover faster, move better, and stay in the game—whether that game is basketball or a backyard obstacle course.

Common Reasons Kids and Teens Need PT

Children’s bodies are constantly growing, making them uniquely vulnerable to certain conditions and injuries. Here are some of the most common issues we see in active kids and how PT can help:

Sports Injuries

From soccer and basketball to dance and martial arts, sports are a leading cause of injuries in kids. Common injuries include:

• Sprains and Strains: Often caused by overstretching muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

• Joint Pain (e.g., Osgood-Schlatter Disease or Sever's Disease): Pain or swelling at the joint from repetitive stress during growth spurts.

• Overuse Injuries: Such as tennis elbow or swimmer’s shoulder, which occur from repetitive motions.

  
  

How PT Helps: We address pain and inflammation, guide your child through proper movement patterns, and provide strength training to prevent recurrence.

Growing Pains

Rapid growth during adolescence can lead to tightness, discomfort, or coordination issues as muscles and bones adjust to new proportions. This rapid change can make activities like running feel awkward or painful.

How PT Helps: Stretching, strengthening, and mobility exercises can ease growing pains and improve body awareness as kids adapt to their changing bodies.

Postural Issues

Whether it’s from carrying a heavy backpack, sitting at a desk, or too much screen time, kids can develop poor posture, leading to neck, back, or shoulder pain.

How PT Helps: We teach posture correction strategies, core strengthening exercises, and stretches to alleviate strain and build better habits.

Lack of Coordination or Balance

Some children struggle with balance, coordination, or motor skills, making it harder to participate in sports or keep up with peers.

How PT Helps: Our therapists use fun, engaging activities to improve coordination, reaction time, and overall control.

Recovery After Surgery or a Major Injury

For kids recovering from surgery (e.g., ACL repair) or a serious injury, physical therapy is essential for a safe and effective return to activity.

How PT Helps: We guide recovery with progressive exercises that restore strength, mobility, and confidence, ensuring your child doesn’t rush back too soon.

Why Choose PT First for Active Kids?

Faster Recovery Times

Shy of a major injury, a provider will often just send your child to physical therapy. Instead of waiting for the visit to the doctor then the referral to therapy, you can come straight here. PT focuses on addressing the root cause of pain or dysfunction, leading to quicker and more effective recovery compared to rest alone. And don't worry...we know if/when your child will need to be referred to a specialist. We won't waste your time.

Avoid Over-Medication or Unnecessary Procedures

PT is a conservative, non-invasive treatment option that avoids the risks associated with medications or surgeries.

Teaches Healthy Movement Habits

Physical therapists educate kids and teens on proper mechanics, posture, and body awareness, reducing the risk of future injuries.

Prevents Future Issues

Addressing movement dysfunctions early can prevent chronic pain or injuries later in life. For example, treating a gait issue now can prevent knee pain in adulthood.

What to Expect During a PT Session

At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we make sessions fun, engaging, and personalized for your child’s age, activity level, and goals. Here’s what a typical session might look like:

1. Assessment: We evaluate your child’s movement, strength, flexibility, and coordination to identify areas of concern.

   
   

2. Treatment Plan: Together, we create a custom plan that fits your child’s needs, from strengthening exercises to sport-specific training.

   
   

3. Active Participation: Kids are encouraged to actively participate in their care through exercises, stretches, and activities they enjoy.

   
   

4. Education: We teach both kids and parents how to support recovery at home, including simple exercises and tips to prevent reinjury.

   
   

How PT Keeps the Whole Family Active

Our goal isn’t just to treat injuries—it’s to empower active families to move better and stay strong. Whether you’re a parent dealing with knee pain or a teen athlete prepping for their next season, physical therapy is here to help every member of your family thrive.

When Should You Bring Your Child to a PT?

Here are a few signs that it’s time to schedule a PT appointment for your child:

• Pain that lasts more than a few days or worsens with activity.

• Trouble keeping up with peers during sports or physical activities.

• Complaints about back, neck, or joint pain.

• Difficulty recovering after an injury or surgery.

• Concerns about posture or movement quality.

  
  

Conclusion: Give Your Kids the Best Care

At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we’re passionate about helping kids stay active, healthy, and injury-free. Whether your child is recovering from an injury or simply needs a movement check-up, PT is the best first step to ensure they’re ready for all the adventures ahead.

References

1. Myer, G. D., et al. (2009). "Comprehensive return-to-sport programs after ACL reconstruction reduce reinjury rates." American Journal of Sports Medicine.

2. Malina, R. M. (2010). "Growth, maturation, and physical activity in children and adolescents." Journal of Sports Sciences.

3. Stracciolini, A., et al. (2014). "Overuse injuries in the pediatric population." Sports Health.