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Understanding Musculoskeletal Disorders in Younger Individuals

A musculoskeletal disorder is a painful condition that involves the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, or other structures of the body. These disorders most commonly occur in joints like the spine, ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders, resulting in pain and limited mobility.

For children, musculoskeletal disorders are becoming a growing concern due to the demands of modern school environments, which can involve prolonged sitting, poor posture, and a lack of physical activity. As schools increasingly incorporate technology into the typical school day, children will continue to spend more time seated, which can lead to posture–related problems and pain. Therefore, a recent study investigated the role of therapeutic exercise for both preventing and treating musculoskeletal disorders among young individuals.

Therapeutic Exercise for Preventing and Treating Injuries

The study was conducted on 212 students aged 13–15 years and explored the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for preventing and treating musculoskeletal disorders. Half of the students were already experiencing symptoms, while the other half were not. These groups were further divided, with half being assigned to participate in an 8–week therapeutic exercise program (50–minute sessions, four times per week) and the others continuing their daily lives without a structured exercise program.

Results from the study showed the following:

• Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders: students who participated in therapeutic exercise but with no prior symptoms showed a significant reduction in developing musculoskeletal issues


• Reduction in musculoskeletal symptoms: students with existing musculoskeletal disorders experienced marked improvements in pain, posture, and physical ability after participating in therapeutic exercise


• Improvement in physical activity: therapeutic exercise was also associated with increased physical activitylevels, suggesting that therapeutic exercise may improve overall fitness and contribute to better long–term health

Why Therapeutic Exercise Works

Therapeutic exercise involves a variety of structured exercises designed to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture. In this study, the program included mobility exercises, stretching, and endurance training, all of which contributed to significant improvements in participants' musculoskeletal health. By targeting the specific areas prone to discomfort and misalignment, therapeutic exercise appeared to help reverse the damage caused by long periods of sitting and improper posture.

This study highlights the importance of integrating physical activity into the school day. Simple exercises like stretching and mobility training can improve children's health while also reducing their risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Schools can introduce active breaks dedicated to stretching and other forms of movement, while also promoting programs that encourage physical activity beyond the classroom.

Give us a Call Today!

If your child is experiencing pain that may be due to prolonged sitting or poor posture, the best way to respond may be to introduce therapeutic exercise. Our team of physical therapists specializes in treating musculoskeletal disorders in children and can also provide guidance to help increase your child's physical activity levels and reduce their risk for musculoskeletal pain. Contact Us Today For More Information.

For more information on this study, you can read the full article here.