How exciting to have summer around the corner! Whether your child is on a sport team or not, it’s likely that they are hopping on bikes, romping on playgrounds, and throwing together tag games with friends. When kid’s activity increases, injuries and accidents naturally increase.

Many parents believe children are less likely to be injured because they think their kid’s bones are pliable, and they will “bounce back.” It is quite the opposite says John M. Purvis, MD, a clinical assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation at the University of Mississippi Medical School. Because children’s muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons are growing, says Purvis, they are more likely to be injured than adults.

Teenagers are also susceptible to injury because the bone structure has not fully matured. Growth plates-areas of growing tissue near the end of long bones – gets injured more easily than tendons and ligaments. Until the end of adolescence, what might only be a sprain in an adult could be a serious injury in a high school player.

The Canadian Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends encouraging all ages of children to follow these guidelines:

• Be in proper physical condition before they play a sport.
• Know and follow the rules of the sport.
• Wear appropriate protective gear and properly fitted shoes whatever the sport.
• Know how to use athletic equipment – for instance, how to adjust the bindings on snow skis.
• Always warm up before playing.
• Avoid playing when tired or in pain.

You can help your children reduce their risk of injury by teaching them these safety guidelines.

Please don’t forget we’re always here, using the science of Chiropractic to help your body heal and maintain the great health you deserve!