By Dr Ben Appleyard (Chiropractor)
By this stage of the season, I am hearing similar questions from parents:
“Should I be worried about my child’s aches and pains?”
My answer is usually, “It depends.”
When Is Soreness Normal?
A bit of muscle soreness after a hard game or training session is completely normal. But if your child is limping, avoiding certain movements, or saying the same area hurts every week, that’s something worth paying attention to.
One thing I always remind parents is that kids are incredibly good at hiding pain if it means they get to stay on the field. They’ll often tell you they’re “fine” while moving very differently to normal.
I keep the advice simple.
Ask them where they’re sore, not just if they’re sore. Encourage plenty of water, good food, and a decent night’s sleep after games. If they’re stiff the next day, gentle movement is usually better than spending the whole day on the couch. A walk, an easy bike ride, or some light stretching may help ease stiffness and keep them moving comfortably.
Small Changes Can Tell You a Lot
I also tell parents to watch how their child moves during the week. Are they running normally in the backyard? Can they squat down without complaining? Are they avoiding stairs? Those little clues often tell us more than what they say.
Don’t Ignore Ongoing Pain
The other thing I encourage is not waiting until a small problem becomes a bigger one. If soreness keeps returning or isn’t improving, it’s worth having it assessed rather than simply hoping it settles on its own.
The goal shouldn’t be to get through the season at all costs. It’s to help kids enjoy their sport, stay healthy, build confidence, and finish the season still wanting to play next year.
Helping Kids Enjoy the Season
Sometimes, all children need is reassurance and healthy guidance. Other times, having ongoing pain or changes in how they move assessed by a health professional is a sensible next step. Knowing the difference is what matters most.
If your child has ongoing pain, keeps avoiding certain movements, or just doesn’t seem to be recovering between games, we’re here to assist. Contact Family Chiropractic Bundaberg to arrange an assessment and discuss the best next steps.