As the last weeks of August tick by, many Burlington families are beginning to look ahead to the fall season—specifically, the return of organized sports. Whether it’s high school football, soccer, cross country, or rep league tryouts, fall marks a major shift in routine and intensity for young athletes.
At Sheddon Physiotherapy in Burlingto/Aldershot, we start seeing an influx of youth clients this time of year—some coming in with minor aches and pains from summer activity, others already managing injuries, and many simply looking for guidance to perform better and stay injury-free.
This is the perfect time to ask: Is your child’s body truly ready for fall sports?
The Gap Between Activity and Readiness
One of the most common misconceptions among parents is that because their child was active over the summer—running around with friends, swimming at the lake, or playing informal games—they’re automatically prepared for the demands of competitive sport.
But recreational activity and competitive training aren’t the same.
Fall sports often introduce structured practices, higher training volumes, and greater physical demands. Sudden jumps in intensity can expose weaknesses, imbalances, or underdeveloped movement patterns that were never a problem before. And without the proper foundation, young athletes are at greater risk of injury just as the season begins.
Common Injuries in Youth Athletes
At Sheddon, we frequently see the following early-season injuries in teens and pre-teens:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee) from repetitive running without sufficient hip and quad strength
- Shin splints caused by sudden spikes in running volume or poor footwear
- Ankle sprains from soccer or basketball drills, especially on unstable surfaces
- Hamstring or groin strains in athletes who haven’t maintained flexibility or proper warm-up habits
- Growth plate stress injuries, especially in athletes going through puberty
These aren’t just inconvenient—they can sideline young athletes for weeks or even months if not addressed early.
Why Physiotherapy Makes a Difference—Before There’s Pain
You don’t need to wait until your child is injured to bring them to physiotherapy. In fact, pre-season physiotherapy assessments are one of the most effective ways to prepare young athletes for a safe and successful season.
At Sheddon Physiotherapy, our team specializes in assessing youth movement patterns and identifying:
- Muscle imbalances
- Joint restrictions
- Core weaknesses
- Faulty running or jumping mechanics
- Poor posture or alignment under load
Once we identify potential problem areas, we create a custom plan that focuses on strengthening weak links, improving mobility, and teaching proper movement techniques that translate directly to sport.
Supporting Performance and Confidence
Physiotherapy isn’t just about injury prevention—it’s also about performance. A young athlete who moves efficiently, understands how their body works, and feels strong in their sport is more likely to perform at their best.
In fact, many of our youth clients say they feel more confident going into tryouts or big games after just a few sessions. They know how to warm up properly, manage post-practice soreness, and recover better between sessions.
We also help athletes learn body awareness—something that can take years to develop on their own. When they understand what proper movement feels like, they’re less likely to compensate in ways that lead to injury.
Empowering Parents and Coaches Too
At Sheddon, we see parents and coaches as key members of an athlete’s support team. We take the time to educate families about what signs to watch for: fatigue, poor posture, changes in gait, or recurring pain. Often, catching these signs early can prevent a more serious issue later on.
We also collaborate with coaches when needed—sharing insights on warm-ups, cool-downs, and individualized conditioning plans that align with team goals. Our clinic isn’t just a place for treatment; it’s a hub for building smarter, healthier athletes.
Start the Season Stronger
The best time to support a young athlete’s body is before the injuries begin. August is the ideal window to fine-tune mechanics, build strength, and ensure your child is stepping onto the field, court, or track with the tools they need to succeed.
Whether your child is gearing up for school sports, rep league play, or recreational activities, a proactive physiotherapy approach sets them up for a season of growth, performance, and confidence.
Book a Youth Pre-Season Assessment Today
Let’s help your young athlete train smarter—not harder. Book a pre-season physiotherapy assessment today at Sheddon Physiotherapy in Burlington/Aldershot. We’ll evaluate movement, identify risk factors, and build a plan that supports their health and goals all season long.
Flexible early morning and evening appointments are available to work around training schedules.
