Chiropractic Tips for Young Athletes
By Sara Butler
Getting your children involved in sports activities is a good thing. It encourages physical activity, teamwork, and health. But you can’t overlook the importance of proper body conditioning simply because a person is young. You have to help them prepare in order to avoid injuries to their young bodies. Here are some tips from the chiropractors at The Joint to help you keep your young athlete healthy this season and beyond!
What to Emphasize
Stretching and exercises to get the muscles warm and pliable are a must when it comes to conditioning. This will help them to avoid injury, but don’t stop there. You should also emphasize the importance of nutrition and hydration. Remember, a child that is active may or may not sweat appropriately. Young children that haven’t gone through puberty don’t sweat as adults or older children do in order to cool down, so they must do that through fluids. Make sure they consume more water than a normal sedentary person would get before, during, and after activity.
Have them eat a good breakfast full of protein and complex carbs to help set them up for the day, and always make sure they have a healthy meal at least two to four hours before they have a practice or a game. A small snack after will help to refuel the body, as well.
A Few More Important Tips
Children often feel as if nothing bad can happen to them, but the truth is that they need to take the same precautions as everyone else to ensure their safety and health. You should:
- Encourage your child to wear the right equipment
- Keep healthy food at home for them
- Encourage them to maintain a healthy weight
- Have them drink milk each day if they can tolerate it
- Don’t keep sugar-laden snacks around the house
- Make sure they follow a routine that includes proper stretching and cool down
- Make sure they’re getting at least eight hours of sleep each night
- Take them to the chiropractor regularly for adjustments
The Importance of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is essential to keep your young athlete healthy. The chiropractor can make sure their body is free from joint dysfunction and restriction before they even begin their sport of choice. That way, they’re starting from a level playing field that allows them to improve and push themselves to reach their goals, both on the field and off.
Bring your young athlete into The Joint Chiropractic today!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Las Vegas, Nev.