The start of a new school year brings excitement, new opportunities, and busy schedules. From carrying heavy backpacks to returning to sports and spending more time sitting in classrooms, students put their bodies through a lot during the school year. Making movement and injury prevention a priority can help them stay healthy, focused, and ready to succeed both in the classroom and on the field.
At Atlanta Rehabilitation & Performance Center, we believe that a healthy school year starts with healthy movement.
One of the most common causes of discomfort during the school year is an overloaded backpack. A backpack should generally weigh no more than 10-15% of a student’s body weight. Wearing both shoulder straps, adjusting them so the backpack sits close to the body, and regularly cleaning out unnecessary items can help reduce strain on the neck, shoulders, and back.
Many students also transition back into sports after a summer break. Whether they’re playing football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, or another sport, jumping back into intense activity too quickly can increase the risk of injury. Taking time to properly warm up, build strength, improve flexibility, and recover after practices can make a significant difference throughout the season.
It’s not just student athletes who should pay attention to their physical health. Long hours sitting in class, studying, completing homework can lead to poor posture, neck pain, and tight muscles. Encouraging students to stand up, stretch, and move throughout the day helps reduce stiffness and keeps their bodies feeling their best.
Parents should also watch for signs that their child may need professional evaluation. Persistent pain, recurring injuries, limping, limited mobility, or discomfort that doesn’t improve after a few days shouldn’t be ignored. Addressing these issues early can prevent them from becoming bigger problems later.
At APRC, our physical therapists work with students of all ages to help them recover from injuries, improve strength and mobility, prevent future injuries, and safely return to activities they love. Whether your child is preparing for a new sports season, recovering from an injury or experiencing aches and pains from everyday school activities, our team is here to help.
As the school year begins, remember that success starts with good health. Taking small steps to prioritize movement, proper posture, and injury prevention can make a big impact throughout the year.
If your student is dealing with pain of wants to stay ahead of injuries this school year, contact ARPC to schedule an evaluation. We’re here to help students move better, feel better, and perform at their best— both in school and beyond.
