Growth spurts - how can physio help my kid?


Were you the child that grew slow and steady and never in spurts? You watched while other children shot up around you and wondered if you would ever catch up, but gradually day by day you got there?

You are lucky.

Let me tell you why – when your child goes through a significant growth spurt, more than just their height changes.

A large growth spurt in a short period of time has been linked in with a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries including growth related injuries such as Osgood Schlatter disease, Severs disease, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson and even common ankle sprains.

So why is it that those that leap forwards in their growth are more at risk of these injuries?

Here are just a few reasons:

A great way to keep track of your child’s growth is to keep a height chart, measuring once each month to track spurts in growth over time.

If your child has undergone a growth spurt recently, reassure them that things will go back to normal soon with some simple stretching, strengthening and proprioceptive exercises.

If your child does have any concerns or pain following a growth spurt, contact your physiotherapist to discuss ways to help your child master their taller body and prevent growth related injury!

Still unsure if you need our help?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions then I would advise you to make time to see a physiotherapist who has extra training in the assessment and management of adolescents.

In my experience working with adolescents, some simple advice can go a long way and prevent issues later in their development.

Managing early signs of growth-related injury can significantly impact on a child’s ability to continue to participate in the activities that they enjoy most.

To talk to our physiotherapist about your child’s growing pains call us on 9770 2343.