Hi !
Spring sports season is here! From soccer and baseball to tennis, and recreational leagues, young athletes are getting back outside and staying active. While this is great for building strength, confidence, and teamwork, the increased activity can sometimes place extra strain on growing bodies.
This month we’re focusing on how to help young athletes stay healthy, recover well, and prevent injuries throughout the season.
🏃 Did You Know?
Many youth sports injuries develop gradually rather than from a single accident. Rapid growth, repetitive movements, and muscle imbalances can lead to:
• Heel pain from running and jumping
• Knee pain during growth spurts
• Shoulder strain from throwing sports
• Ankle sprains
• Lower back tightness
Because bones, muscles, and joints grow at different rates in kids and teens, certain areas can become tight or overloaded more quickly.
👐 How Chiropractic Care Helps Young Athletes
Chiropractic care focuses on helping the body move properly and recover more efficiently. Treatment may include:
✔ Gentle spinal and joint adjustments
✔ Improving mobility and flexibility
✔ Muscle and soft tissue work
✔ Stretching and strengthening guidance
✔ Posture and movement education
✔ Regulate their nervous system from pressures of performance
Supporting proper movement can help athletes reduce strain, recover faster, and perform their very best.
⚠️Signs Your Young Athlete May Need a Check-Up
Consider an assessment if your child:
• Complains of recurring soreness or pain after practice or games
• Feels stiff or less flexible than usual
• Has recently had a growth spurt
• Shows changes in posture, running style, or movement
Addressing small issues early can help prevent bigger injuries later.
🧘 Stretch of the Month: Hamstring Stretch
Tight hamstrings are common in growing athletes and can contribute to knee and lower back strain.
Try this simple stretch:
1️⃣ Lie on the floor with a yoga strap under the foot of one leg straight and the other bent, with the foot on the floor
2️⃣ Pull the strap towards you as you press the knee towards straight
Note: The knee does not need to be straight; you are looking for sensation or stretch behind the thigh.
3️⃣ Hold for 20–30 seconds and switch sides.
Regular stretching supports flexibility and injury prevention.
⭐ Young Athlete Success Story
A young hockey and lacrosse player recently visited JFu Chiropractic with recurring heel, foot, ankle and knee discomfort from a busy hockey season. After assessing movement and mobility, we focused on improving foot and ankle flexibility, to help reduce stress on the knee. The next day at practice, he was playing through the game and felt stronger, more mobile, and pain-free.
✅ Spring Athlete Checklist
Help your athlete stay healthy this season:
✔ Warm up before practices and games
✔ Stretch after activity
✔ Stay hydrated *Bonus if you can get electrolytes
✔ Get enough sleep for recovery
✔ Address pain or discomfort early
🌟 Spring Sports Assessment
A Spring Sports Assessment can help identify mobility restrictions, posture concerns, or movement patterns that may increase injury risk. Supporting healthy movement helps young athletes stay active, confident, and ready to enjoy their sport all season long.
📅Did you have questions? We offer Complimentary Sports Recovery Consultations!
Other Clinic Happenings🌸
Dr. Fu is collaborating with Kathryn from Be Still Yoga to offer Urban Garden Day Retreats over multiple dates. They are the perfect way to refresh without leaving the city! Bring a friend and enjoy a day in nature and tranquility.
Dr. Joyce Fu
Chiropractic. Acupuncture. Yoga. Pilates.
Pediatric Specialist
Member of Women's Chiropractic Caucus (CCA)
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