childrens physiotherapy in Cheltenham
getting children back to the sport they love fast
childrens sports treatment
We have provided Cheltenham College's Physiotherapy service for the last 9 years and understand that the teenage years are a time of rapid growth and development for children, and why it's common for teenagers to experience a wide range of injuries. Growth plates are the areas at the end of the bones in the arms and legs responsible for making new bone. Growth plates are weaker than the nearby ligaments and tendons so children are at a greater risk of injury than adults. A twisted ankle that might result in a sprain in an adult, could result in a more serious growth plate fracture in a young child. Growth plate injuries have the potential to disrupt normal bone growth.
Teenagers who take part in competitive sports or activities that increase the risk of a fall or collision, most teenage sports injuries that do not involve a fall or collision, usually occur when children exceed the capacity of their muscles, tendons, or bones. This usually occurs when they exceed what they have been trained for, or the body’s capacity to do that amount of activity has dropped due to factors like poor sleep, nutrition, or illness.
Children are more likely to suffer injury during growth spurts. During this time children become less coordinated whilst they adjust making them more vulnerable to injury. Growth also creates greater tension and compression at the site where the muscle attaches via a tendon to the bone. A sudden spike in activity can exceed the capacity of the tendon and causes irritation of the growth plate and soft tissues.
Childrens sports treatment is one of our specialties, we deal with these types of injuries both at our clinic and as part of Cheltenham College’s sports physiotherapy team and we recognise that children's body structures are very different to adults, so they need specialist care.
Benefits of childrens physiotherapy
While children’s sports activities lay a strong foundation for physical and mental development, physiotherapy plays a vital role in supporting them in their journey. Physiotherapy helps children remain active by focusing on injury prevention and rehabilitation. By addressing muscle imbalances or weaknesses early, physiotherapy supports children in developing a strong and balanced body so they can participate in sports with confidence and enthusiasm.
Following diagnosis, as with adults, childrens sports treatment usually takes the form of manual and exercise therapy, coupled with education – primarily at-home stretches and strengthening exercises. The biggest difference with Physiotherapy treatment for children is that we make the sessions more fun.
At our childrens physiotherapy clinic in Cheltenham our experienced physiotherapists will help your child learn how to move and play safely, so that they reduce their risk of injury. We can also identify weaknesses that may lead to injury and develop a youth sports injury prevention plan. By working with us, children can learn how to stay safe and healthy while participating in their favourite physical activities whilst preventing overuse injuries.
Improving performance
We all take pride in the sports accomplishments of our children and teenagers. However, their growing bodies are prone to injury. Physiotherapy can help children improve their physical performance. By working with us, your child can develop their strength, flexibility and endurance. This can help them perform better in sports and other physical activities, help them avoid injury and allow them to recover more quickly if they do get injured.
sports injury prevention
By focusing on strengthening exercises, physiotherapists help build stronger muscles and joints in children, which which make children less susceptible to injuries. This is especially critical in young athletes, where proper conditioning can prevent sports-related injuries.
Sometimes, childrens sports injury prevention may be a simple case of adjusting their technique or equipment. For example, a physiotherapist may suggest altering the grip size on their tennis racquet to reduce the risk of developing tennis elbow.
Improving posture
Poor posture in children can have a significant impact on their physical health, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Physiotherapy can help improve their posture, reducing the risk of these sports injuries.
A physiotherapist can fix posture issues in children through a variety of techniques, including exercises, stretches, and hands-on manual therapy. Physiotherapists are experts in identifying and treating postural problems, and they can help children improve their posture by addressing the underlying causes of their poor posture.
Rehabilitation for children
Children sports injury treatment will help the initial injury heal, but it is important that this is followed by a quality rehabilitation plan that will help children recover quicker and stronger rhan before.
The rehabilitation exercises we prescribe to children are age-appropriate, engaging and sport relevant. Unlike adults, who may be more disciplined in following a routine, children benefit from exercises that are fun and interactive. We often incorporate games and activities into the therapy sessions to make the process enjoyable and to improve compliance.
Ensuring a comprehensive and engaging rehabilitation plan not only aids in physical recovery but also fosters a positive attitude towards injury management and prevention in young athletes.
“By working with a Chartered Physiotherapist, young people can learn the skills and knowledge they need to stay healthy and active throughout their lives. As a parent, it's a good idea to add physiotherapy to your child's healthcare routine. It can make a big difference in their physical and mental health and well-being.”
Stuart Fossella, Founder and Lead Physiotherapist
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At Straight Back Physio we believe in giving our patients the opportunity to engage and explain their injury history, lifestyle etc. to our physiotherapists therefore each new patient is given 45minutes on their first appointment with follow ups being 30 minutes in length.
Recover faster, our chartered physios can usually get you back to redoing the activities you can't do now within 4 to 8 sessions.
We understand that some people may want to find out a bit more about the cost before they book an appointment at our physiotherapy clinic. Our unique save as you recover packages can save you up to 20% on the cost of a single session.
Insured
For insured clients we can either work directly with your insurance provider or offer receipts for cash-based plans, allowing you to reclaim your expenses.
Not Covered by Insurance
If you want see the best physiotherapist in your area, feel free to book an appointment at our Cheltenham physiotherapy clinic without needing a referral from your GP.
Why Choose Us
No other local physiotherapy clinic can match our level of expertise and rehabilitation services, thanks to our extensive experience and in-house gym facilities. You'll receive the full benefits of physiotherapy through a tailored combination of interventions designed to guide you on your path to recovery.