Specialist care for growing, developing athletes
Young athletes experience injury differently to adults. Periods of rapid growth, increasing training loads, and changing movement patterns place unique stress on developing bones, muscles, and tendons.
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At The Physio Box, we provide specialist physiotherapy for children and adolescents involved in sport, focusing on safe recovery, appropriate training modification, and long-term athletic development.
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Understanding Growth-Related Injuries
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During growth spurts, bones grow faster than muscles and tendons can adapt. This can increase strain on growth plates and attachment sites, leading to pain and injury.
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These injuries are common, manageable, however they are occasionally serious. Appropriate management is needed to prevent recurrence and unnecessary time away from sport.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Common Growth-Related Conditions We Treat
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Osgood–Schlatter disease (knee pain)
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Sever’s disease (heel pain)
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Sinding-Larsen–Johansson syndrome
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Patello-femoral pain
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Apophyseal injuries (Apophysitis and avulsion injuries)
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Overuse injuries during growth spurts
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Recurrent muscle strains
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Acute sports injuries
A Development-Informed Approach
Assessment goes beyond the injury itself. We consider:
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Growth and maturation stage
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Recent growth spurts
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Training volume and intensity
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Competition schedules
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Movement quality and strength
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Previous injury history
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This allows us to guide appropriate load management, rather than defaulting to prolonged rest or complete withdrawal from sport.
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Rehabilitation & Return to Sport
Rehabilitation focuses on:
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Reducing pain while maintaining appropriate activity
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Improving strength, mobility and movement control
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Modifying training load where needed
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Building resilience during growth phases
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Return-to-sport decisions are structured and progressive, ensuring young athletes return safely and confidently at the right time.
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Clear Communication for Athletes & Parents
We provide clear explanations and practical advice for both athletes and parents or guardians, including:
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What the injury means
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Expected recovery timelines
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Safe activity levels
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When and how to return to full training
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This reduces uncertainty and helps everyone feel confident in the plan.