Unlike the generations before them, kids today spend a lot of time in front of the television and the computer. Organized sports force them to move quickly from sedentary to intense physical activity. It s an intensity that some children s bodies have not been conditioned to handle. Experts say kids bodies are not made for intense, repetitive training. Young bones that are still forming and growing are not as strong as adult bones.
Kids are particularly vulnerable to injury during puberty when growth spurts occur.
Overuse of specific bones, muscles, and tissue can result in strains, sprains, and other problems. Overuse injuries generally happen with repeated physical motion to enhance athletic skills. Before allowing children to participate in organized sports, parents need to know the coaches, the facility, and the equipment. The right coaching and equipment are crucial for making sure that kids don t get hurt. Coaches need to understand physical limits and encourage kids to reach their individual potential.