Why the Sporting Off-Season Is a Smart Time to Check Your Child’s Aches and Pains
Does your child have private health cover that rarely gets used?
The quieter sporting off-season can be a practical time to check the aches and niggles that were easy to ignore during a busy school term. Before holidays, pre-season training and weekend sport ramp up again, families have an opportunity to understand what is causing discomfort and decide whether treatment or a simple management plan is appropriate.
The common problems families ask us about
Neck and back discomfort, sore knees and sore feet. Persistent or recurring pain deserves attention—particularly when it changes how a child moves, sleeps, trains or participates in everyday activities.
Why use the off-season?
During the season, young athletes may move from one training session or game to the next with very little recovery time. A quieter period provides room to assess the problem without the pressure of an important game the following day.
An off-season assessment may help your family:
identify movements or activities that aggravate symptoms;
understand whether strength, mobility, training load, footwear or recovery may be contributing;
begin an appropriate treatment or exercise plan;
build confidence before returning to sport; and
make decisions without the rush of school, holidays and competition.
The goal is not to medicalise every small ache. It is to avoid allowing a recurring problem to become the child’s “normal” simply because life is busy.
Neck and back discomfort
Back pain is uncommon in very young children but becomes more common through adolescence. A physiotherapy assessment considers the history of the problem, how symptoms behave, movement, strength and the activities that matter to the child.
Some discomfort improves with time and sensible activity changes. Other presentations may need a GP or further medical assessment. Pain that is severe, follows a significant accident, wakes a child from sleep, is associated with fever or unexplained illness, or occurs with weakness, numbness, walking difficulty, or bladder or bowel changes requires prompt medical attention.
Sore knees and feet
Knee and foot symptoms can affect running, jumping, stairs, school sport and even comfortable walking. A clinician may also consider recent growth, changes in training, sporting surfaces, footwear, strength, mobility and recovery.
A useful assessment should lead to clear next steps. Depending on the individual, that may include education, temporary activity modification, exercises, treatment, footwear advice or referral to another health professional.
What does a screening involve?
A physiotherapy screening is not a pass-or-fail test. It is a structured conversation and physical assessment designed to understand the child’s symptoms and goals.
We may ask about:
when the pain started and whether it is improving or worsening;
which activities bring it on;
recent growth, changes in sport or increases in training;
sleep, recovery and relevant previous injuries; and
what the child wants to return to doing comfortably.
If the presentation is not suitable for physiotherapy or needs medical investigation, we will explain the appropriate next step.
Could private health help?
If your child is included on your private health policy and your extras cover includes physiotherapy, you may be able to claim a benefit for an eligible consultation.
Benefits, annual limits, waiting periods, provider rules and out-of-pocket costs vary. Check your health fund app or contact your insurer before booking.
Do not wait for the calendar to become hectic again
If a neck, back, knee or foot problem keeps returning, the off-season is a sensible time to have it assessed.
Online bookings only. A parent or legal guardian should attend as required.
Important: This article provides general information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for individual medical advice. Seek urgent care for severe symptoms or red flags. See Healthdirect’s back pain information and the Royal Children’s Hospital guidance.
