As August winds down and Burlington families prepare for the return of school routines, Sheddon Physiotherapy in Burlington/Aldershot sees a familiar trend: a surge in patients—students, teachers, and parents alike—struggling with posture-related pain.
The back-to-school season often brings a dramatic change in activity. Long summer days of movement and relaxation are replaced by long hours of sitting at desks, carrying backpacks, commuting, and standing in classrooms. These rapid transitions in physical habits put the body under stress, especially when posture and movement patterns are not optimized.
What most people don’t realize is that these minor aches and tensions aren’t just random. They’re signals from the body—early warnings that the demands of a new school year are taking a toll. And without the right support or awareness, those small twinges can quickly escalate into chronic pain.
Why Posture Becomes a Problem in September
At Sheddon Burlington, we often hear: “I didn’t do anything to injure myself, so why am I in pain?”
The answer is almost always linked to sustained posture and muscle fatigue. Children and teens spend hours hunched over tablets and laptops, often without proper desk ergonomics. Many carry heavy backpacks slung over one shoulder or worn too low on the back, putting strain on the neck and lower spine.
Teachers, on the other hand, spend hours on their feet, reaching, bending, and twisting in repetitive ways. It’s not uncommon for educators to deal with ongoing foot, hip, and lower back pain by the end of the first month of school. And let’s not forget the parents. From daily school drop-offs to evening homework help—plus work and household responsibilities—they’re often on the move all day long.
All of this adds up. And while most people power through it, discomfort often builds until it becomes too painful to ignore.
The Role of Physiotherapy: Not Just Recovery—Prevention
At Sheddon Physiotherapy in Burlington, we approach the back-to-school season not just as a time for treatment but also as a critical opportunity for prevention.
Our first step is education. We teach students how to sit with spinal alignment, how to move without straining their necks, and how to properly carry their school bags. For teachers, we offer strategies for staying mobile throughout the day and exercises that strengthen the muscles most prone to fatigue. And for parents, we assess the physical habits that come with busy schedules—from desk setups at work to repetitive lifting at home—and guide them toward smarter, more efficient movement patterns.
Beyond education, we use a range of hands-on therapies, including manual therapy, soft tissue release, and joint mobilization, to address existing pain. We also create individualized exercise plans that focus on postural control, core stability, and long-term mobility—all tailored to the person’s lifestyle and physical needs.
And perhaps most importantly, we offer support. When your body isn’t functioning at its best, it affects everything—focus, energy, and confidence. By addressing the root cause of pain and stiffness early, we help our clients stay active, focused, and pain-free throughout the school year.
Make the School Year a Healthy One
If there’s one thing we want Burlington families to know this August, it’s that you don’t have to wait for pain to get worse before seeking help.
Physiotherapy is a proactive tool, not just a reactive one. Whether you’re a high school student with a sore shoulder from sports, a teacher feeling tension in your neck, or a parent noticing a persistent ache in your lower back, our team at Sheddon is here to help.
With flexible scheduling, a collaborative team, and years of experience supporting Burlington/Aldershot’s families, Sheddon Physiotherapy is your neighbourhood clinic with a whole-body approach. We’re proud to offer a welcoming environment where you’ll feel heard, understood, and cared for.
Book a Back-to-School Assessment Today
Start the school year strong—with a body that’s aligned, pain-free, and ready for anything.
To schedule a back-to-school assessment, contact us by phone at 905-332-1070 or book it here! Our friendly team will help match you with the right physiotherapist and get you on the road to a healthy, successful September.
