Can Physical Therapy Help Teenagers?
We treat teenagers and young adults at Kinetic Physical Therapy for various reasons. Like adults, adolescents also sustain injuries, suffer from accidents, and recover from surgeries. Unlike adults, they have the added physical challenge that they’re usually still growing.
Let’s discuss why a teenager may need physical therapy and how our therapists at Kinetic Physical Therapy can help.
Reasons a Teenager May Need Physical Therapy
The middle school hockey player in your family has been complaining of persistent lower back pain. Student-athletes who play a lot of one sport with repetitive movements can suffer from PARS fractures in the lower back. Physical therapy can help reduce back pain, prevent further injury, and help repair injuries.
Your 16-year-old passed their driving exam and is now out on the open road. Once that new-driver phase of cautious driving passes, they may let their guard down and get into a minor fender bender. Even the slightest of automotive accidents can cause whiplash.
Injuries from whiplash are often delayed, showing up several weeks after an accident. The treatment for whiplash varies, depending on the severity and how long ago the injury occurred. But physical therapy can be very beneficial in regaining mobility and reducing pain.
Your teenage gymnast didn’t quite stick the landing; knee surgery is in their future. Physical therapy will, of course, help them recover from their surgery. Treatment after surgery on a ligament has shown shorter recovery times and a reduction of a repeat injuries.
Methods and Treatments
Each adolescent and their physical therapy needs are different. No single type of physical therapy will work in every situation for every adolescent. But part of the benefit as a patient at Kinetic Physical Therapy is that our therapists know how to use everyday activities and exercises to personalize goals and treatments.
Standard practices for physical therapy for our younger patients include:
- Training exercises to increase strength
- Coordination and balance activities to improve fine muscle control
- Flexibility exercises to increase range of motion
- Instruction on how to avoid injury
Supporting Your Teen During Physical Therapy
You can do a few things as a parent to help your teenager get the most out of their physical therapy session.
First, make sure they are well-rested before their physical therapy session. Even though their age is in double digits, teenagers still need a lot of sleep. They are more likely to give it their best efforts and focus better when they aren’t tired.
Second, realize that physical therapy is never a “one and done” visit. Treatment plans can take several visits. The longer the treatment plan, the more likely it can seem like your young person’s progress is plateauing. Prepare them for each session by asking them questions to assess their feelings. Ask what they hope to accomplish during their appointment and how they feel about their overall progress.
Communication is essential not only with your child but also with their physical therapist. Make sure you know the therapist’s goals for your teen’s treatment. And you need to be clear on what the treatment plan is, as well as goal markers.
Finally, the best way to support your child during physical therapy is to complete the assigned exercises at home. If your son or daughter is reluctant to do physical therapy activities and exercises at home, that’s normal.
Do an activity they enjoy when they reach a goal. Remind them that their physical therapist says it’s important. Be consistent when working at home. And get involved – do their therapy alongside them.
We Love Helping Teens
By completing or working at physical therapy sessions, adolescents can gain a sense of accomplishment, play a part in their pain management, and gain independence.
At Kinetic Physical Therapy, we champion the abilities of all youth. We love helping young patients and their families through our personalized and quality care. We know you have choices when it comes to getting physical therapy treatment. At Kinetic, you will have the same therapist each time. Call and make your teenager’s appointment today!
