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By Anya Woolliams  BA, MA, MOst, PGCert in Animal Osteopathy (OCA)

 

Are Sports Good for Our Teens?

 

Absolutely, yes!

Exercise and sports offer a multitude of benefits for young people. Beyond enhancing physical health, strength, and bone density, they significantly boost mental health, foster social interactions, and develop leadership and strategic thinking skills. Participating in sports also boosts confidence and self-esteem, hones problem-solving abilities, instils discipline, and promotes teamwork. Additionally, sports are an excellent way to relieve stress and release endorphins, making them a critical part of a healthy lifestyle for teens.

 

The Latest Research

 

However, the increase in competitive sports training among teens, coupled with an earlier start to such training, has led to a rise in sports-related injuries over the past twenty years. Notably, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are becoming more common among girls. A study by Dr Nicolas Beck and Dr Marc Tompkins from the University of Minnesota Medical School revealed that ACL tears in patients aged 6-18 have increased by approximately 2.3 per cent each year over the past two decades.

 

What is an ACL?

 

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the knee’s critical ligaments. It is essential for pivoting movements, forward propulsion, impact absorption during landing, and preventing knee overextension. This short, thick, and powerful ligament connects the femur and tibia. When the ACL tears or ruptures, it often requires reconstruction and can sideline an athlete for several months to a year.

 

Why the Rise in ACL Tears?

 

Several factors contribute to the increasing incidence of ACL tears. Changes in training intensity and lifestyle are significant contributors. The popularity of sports like football and tennis, especially among girls following the successes of teams like the Lionesses and players like the Williams sisters, has led to more rigorous training schedules. Interestingly, ACL injuries peak in girls around age 16, potentially linked to hormonal changes affecting ligament laxity during the early follicular stage of the menstrual cycle.

 

Additionally, the rise of sedentary activities such as gaming, YouTube, and mobile phone use has weakened conditioning. When teens suddenly engage in intense sports activities, their lack of strength and conditioning increases their injury risk.

 

Is it a Case of Too Much Too Soon?

 

Teens are particularly susceptible to overstrain injuries due to repetitive strain, especially around growth plates—the areas at the ends of long bones like the femur, ulna, radius, and metacarpals. Growth plates are weaker and more prone to fractures, particularly in impact sports such as football, gymnastics, skiing, and skateboarding. Additionally, the joints and ligaments surrounding these areas are more vulnerable to overuse injuries.

 

What Can We Do About It?

 

Preventive measures are crucial in addressing this issue. Programs like PEP (Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance) have been developed to help young teens avoid injuries. 

 

Another initiative, Power Up to Play, focuses on exercise preparation to prevent injuries and reduce the number of ACL reconstruction surgeries. More information about this initiative is available [here](https://poweruptoplay.org/about-page).

 

How Can Osteopathy Help?

 

Osteopathy offers a valuable approach to injury prevention. It can improve joint health, encourage movement, enhance the range of motion, and increase flexibility. Osteopathy also accelerates healing, reduces pain, sets fitness goals, instils healthy habits, and improves overall achievement goals, making it a proactive alternative to rehabilitation.

 

For more information on warm-up exercises for injury prevention, check out this study from the BMJ. 

 

By prioritising preventive measures and ensuring proper training, we can help young athletes enjoy the many benefits of sports while minimising the risk of injury.

 

About Anya:

Anya, a UCO-trained osteopath, is the latest addition to the Butterfield clinic’s team of practitioners. She works on Sundays. She is also a trained personal trainer and sports enthusiast. She has experience treating acute sports injuries and solid practical knowledge of sports exercise and rehabilitation. Additionally, she is a trained massage therapist with experience treating clients on yoga retreats worldwide.