As children enter their pre-teen years, they undergo significant physical and emotional changes. Often, the discomforts experienced during this period are dismissed as mere “growing pains,” a phase that young ones simply have to endure. However, this broad categorization can sometimes lead to the oversight of underlying issues that, if properly addressed, can enhance a child’s well-being and physical development. With specialized intervention through personal training, particularly in the realms of corrective exercise and exercise therapy, we can uncover and address these often-overlooked concerns.
Understanding Growing Pains
The term “growing pains” is somewhat of a misnomer, suggesting that pain is an inevitable and natural part of growing up. While it’s true that many pre-teens experience discomfort as their bodies grow, attributing all such pains to growth can prevent a deeper investigation into their true causes. Conditions such as early-onset hypermobility, for example, can manifest as early as 12 years old. Without proper identification and management, such conditions can impact a child’s mobility and comfort significantly.
The Power of Personalized Assessment
Through comprehensive movement assessments, specialized trainers like myself can identify instances where adolescents may be struggling to adjust to their rapidly changing bodies. It’s not uncommon for pre-teens to experience imbalances as they grow, but with targeted intervention, we can help bring their bodies back into harmony.
Corrective Exercise and Exercise Therapy: A Holistic Approach
While traditional therapies like massage, chiropractic care, and physiotherapy are invaluable for treating pain, a specialized trainer offers a broader perspective. By assessing the entire body and employing multiple corrective strategies, we aim not just to alleviate pain temporarily but to resolve the underlying issues permanently.
The Value of Specialization
A personal trainer specializing in corrective exercise and exercise therapy brings to the table a unique set of skills and knowledge. By focusing on the whole body and its function, rather than on isolated symptoms, we can develop personalized training programs that address specific developmental challenges faced by pre-teens. This holistic approach ensures that interventions are not only effective in the short term but also contribute to healthier, more balanced development as the child grows.
Case Study: Alex’s Journey to Balance and Pain-Free Growth
At 12 years old, Alex came to us with complaints of persistent right knee pain and hip issues. Despite having seen several specialists who diagnosed his glutes as “weak,” the discomfort persisted. Recognizing the need for a different approach, we embarked on a comprehensive assessment of Alex’s functional fitness. This assessment revealed two critical, previously overlooked factors contributing to his discomfort:
1. Early Signs of Hypermobility
Upon evaluation, it became evident that Alex exhibited early signs of hypermobility. Hypermobility syndrome is characterized by joints that stretch farther than normal, leading to a range of symptoms including pain, increased risk of injury, and joint instability. For Alex, this meant reevaluating his warm-up routine to better support his joints and prevent injury.
2. Neurological Imbalance
Interestingly, we discovered a significant neurological bias in Alex’s movement patterns; his brain was unconsciously favoring his right side for nearly all activities. Although there was nothing functionally amiss with his left side, this imbalance was causing undue strain on his right side, contributing to his pain and discomfort.
The Solution
To address these challenges, we crafted a dual-faceted corrective protocol for Alex, to be performed both in the morning and at night. This consisted of three targeted exercises designed to realign his hip and restore balance across his body. Additionally, we introduced a training regimen specifically aimed at retraining his brain to engage his left side more actively in movements.
The Results
The transformation was remarkable. Within just a few weeks, Alex reported a significant reduction in pain, feeling more balanced and coordinated. This newfound equilibrium was not just felt but also demonstrated through his achievements, such as scoring a goal with his left foot in a soccer match—a feat that had been unthinkable before our intervention. All of this progress was achieved through tailored exercises, without the need for medication, electrical treatments, or other unconventional methods. Instead, we focused on addressing the root causes of his discomfort, correcting the kinetic chain imbalances that were affecting his development.
If this sounds like the struggles your pre teen is having and your current treatment plan is not yielding results we like to hear from you! Click here to book a free 30 minute in person or virtual consultation we us today.