Summer is almost here, which ideally puts the kids outside, being active and having fun. However, running around and playing can sometimes lead to injury if not careful. No one likes to see a child struggling, be it physically or mentally.
Unfortunately, children can be born with disabilities, or attain injuries impeding or disabling their movement. Summer is just around the corner and we are all bound to see a little one, running back to the house after falling off of their bike, and scraping their knees. As much as anyone would feel bad, these injuries are minimal compared to what some come into contact with.
In such case, Physical Therapy can be necessary to help the child regain proper mobility; or if the child has a disability, (such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Childhood Leukemia, or Autism Spectrum Disorder to name a few), Physical Therapy can be a great help in making it easier to go through normal life scenarios. We will go over where your child can be treated, and how to avoid the common summertime injuries.
- Trampolines: A little jumping around on the backyard trampoline may seem harmless, but trampoline accidents landed 98,000 people in the ER in 2009. Basic warnings on most trampolines advise one jumper at a time, no flips, and no participants under the age of six. Trampolines with safety nets can lower the rate of falls. Still, if your child and/or their friends will be using a trampoline, always make sure they are being properly supervised and abiding the rules as they jump.
- Drowning: When you think of summer, you think of the beach, the pool, or your town lake. While horrifying to think about, drowning remains the third leading cause of death for kids between ages 1 and 4. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends signing up toddlers and young children for swim lessons, keeping life jackets on at all times when boating or on docks, staying within arms reach of young kids, and learning to spot riptide conditions and teaching your kids how to swim out of them (that’s on a diagonal line, away from the current and toward the shore). Closer to home, don’t let young kids spend time in hot tubs and make sure you know the pool safety rules endorsed by the AAP. Last: get trained in CPR. Should the need ever arise, you’ll be more than happy you did. CPR is a lifesaver, however when being resuscitated, after the brain has lacked oxygen for a given amount of time (Anoxia) can cause Neurological impairments that can affect their musculoskeletal system therefore restricting proper mobility.
- Head Injuries: The risk of head injury is highest in spring and summer months, when kids spend more time outside. According to Children’s Hospital Boston, the chances of a head injury are twice as high for boys than girls, and most accidents occur in the afternoon to early evening. The key to preventing head injuries is wearing a helmet when needed and wearing it properly. Make sure you are knowledgeable about helmet safety, including proper fit and what kind of helmet to buy. Not sure if your child needs to go to the ER? Dr. Sear’s says it’s time to go when you child (1) loses consciousness, even for a short time (2) is throwing up or losing his or her balance (3) cannot look you in the eye or respond to questioning (4) complains of blurry vision. Be sure to check your child frequently in the 24 hours following a head injury, noting any change in sleep patterns, skin tone (becoming paler, or blue) and breathing. Head injuries can cause post-traumatic vertigo, among other things, that a Physical Therapist can help with.
- Bug Bites: More specifically, ticks. If kids are out in a brush filled area, they may come in contact with a tick carrying Lymes Disease. Lymes can cause tightness, and stiffness in your muscles. With Lymes Disease, it is important to see your Pediatrician for a proper diagnosis aside from seeing a Physical Therapist to address any Musculoskeletal issues.
- Car Accidents: According to Safe Kids USA, of the more than 1,400 kids under 14 who died in car accidents in 2005, nearly half weren’t wearing seatbelts or weren’t properly restrained in car seats. In addition, a couple thousand kids per year are taken to the ER because someone backed over them. Keep your family safe by making sure they are buckled up properly, triple-checking your rearview before backing up, and never leave them (their body heats up much faster than an adult’s) alone in the car.
In the event that your child needs physical therapy you can bring them to any SportCare facility but we also offer 3 locations that specialize in Pediatric Therapy.
Cedar Knolls 1: SportsCare Institute has two convenient locations in Cedar Knolls, NJ. SportsCare of Cedar Knolls 1, conveniently located in Morris County, NJ is a state-of-the-art facility with highly skilled physical therapists. Our therapists specialize in treating developmental and orthopedic pediatric injuries as well as sport, geriatric, motor vehicle, and work related injuries. At SportsCare of Cedar Knolls 1, we are committed to providing every patient regardless of age or ailment with the highest quality of care possible. Our staff here is dedicated to assist each patient in reaching a level of performance equal to or exceeding that prior to injury.
Kids Care: Founded in 2001, KidsCare has provided school-based Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy in Hudson County schools of New Jersey and continues to expand its medically based services by providing private therapy in their West New York clinic with a fully equipped pediatric gym and observation room for parents.
West New York: SportsCare of West New York, conveniently located in Hudson County NJ is a state-of-the-art facility with highly skilled physical, occupational and pediatric therapists. Our therapists specialize in treating developmental and orthopedic pediatric injuries as well as sport, geriatric, motor vehicle, and work related injuries. At SportsCare of West New York, we offer free patient transportation to and from your appointment. We are committed to providing every patient regardless of age or ailment with the highest quality of care possible. Our staff here is dedicated to assist each patient in reaching a level of performance equal to or exceeding that prior to injury.
You can also find the nearest location to you by texting your Zip Code to 1-844-700-0013 to set up an appointment!
