Osteopath for Children’s Sports Injuries on the Gold Coast
Sport plays an important role in children’s health, confidence and development. However, as activity levels increase and young athletes train more frequently, sports-related injuries in children and teenagers are becoming more common.
At Universal Health & Performance in Burleigh Heads, we regularly treat children and adolescents involved in sports such as dancing, tennis, soccer, AFL and netball. Our goal is to help young athletes recover from injuries, manage pain and return to the activities they enjoy as safely as possible.
Osteopathic treatment focuses on restoring normal movement, reducing strain on injured tissues and supporting the body’s natural recovery process.
Common Kids Sports Injuries We Treat
Children’s injuries often occur during periods of rapid growth when muscles and tendons are adapting to changing body mechanics.
Some of the most common injuries we see include:
Knee Pain
Sports that involve running, jumping and rapid direction changes—such as netball, soccer and AFL—can lead to knee pain in young athletes. Conditions like patellar tendon irritation or growth-related knee pain are common.
Heel Pain (Sever’s Disease)
Active children involved in sports such as soccer, AFL and running can develop pain at the back of the heel due to growth plate irritation.
Hip and Groin Strain
Sports that involve sprinting, kicking or rapid movement changes can place stress on the hip and groin muscles.
Ankle Sprains
Jumping and landing sports such as netball, dancing and tennis often lead to ankle injuries, particularly when balance or strength is still developing.
Lower Back Pain
Young athletes involved in sports requiring repetitive spinal movement or high training loads can sometimes develop lower back discomfort.
Osteopathic Treatment for Young Athletes
Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to injury management, focusing on how the body moves and functions as a whole.
Treatment for children and adolescents may include:
gentle hands-on osteopathic techniques
soft tissue treatment
mobility and movement work
advice on training loads and recovery
simple strengthening and rehabilitation exercises
Treatment is always tailored to the age of the child and the nature of the injury.
Supporting Growing Bodies
Children’s bodies are constantly developing, and injuries during growth phases can sometimes occur when muscles, tendons and bones adapt at different rates.
Part of treatment often includes identifying factors that may contribute to recurring injuries, such as:
reduced mobility
muscle imbalances
rapid increases in training load
growth-related biomechanical changes
Addressing these factors can help young athletes recover more effectively and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Keeping Kids Active and Confident
One of the main goals when treating children’s sports injuries is helping them stay active and engaged in their sport wherever possible.
In many cases, activity can be modified rather than stopped completely while the injury is recovering. Guidance around training, recovery and gradual return to sport can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes.
Osteopath for Kids Sports Injuries in Burleigh Heads
Universal Health & Performance is located in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast and regularly treats children and teenagers involved in sports across the southern Gold Coast including Burleigh, Palm Beach, Miami and Varsity Lakes.
If your child is experiencing pain related to sport or activity, early treatment can often help prevent the problem from becoming persistent.
Book an Appointment
Appointments can be booked online or by contacting the clinic.
Helping young athletes recover properly allows them to stay active, build confidence and continue enjoying the sports they love.
FAQ – Kids Sports Injuries
Is osteopathy safe for children?
Yes. Osteopathic treatment for children uses gentle techniques appropriate for growing bodies.
Should my child stop sport if they have pain?
Not always. In many cases activity can be modified while the injury is treated and rehabilitated.
When should I get a child’s sports injury checked?
If pain persists for more than a few days, affects performance or limits activity, it’s worth having the injury assessed.