Overuse injuries in teens require a different approach than adults. Learn why growth and recovery matter in treatment decisions.
Overuse Injuries in Teens vs Adults
By MADI-BONE CLINIC — Seolleung Station, Gangnam
Why Teen Overuse Injuries Are Different
Overuse injuries are commonly associated with adults,
but we are seeing an increasing number of teenagers
visiting clinics with similar complaints.
However, treating overuse injuries in adolescents
requires a different clinical perspective than in adults.
The growing body responds to stress, injury, and recovery
in unique ways.
The Growing Body Is Not a Smaller Adult Body
Teenagers are still undergoing active growth.
Bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles are constantly adapting,
which makes them more vulnerable to repetitive stress.
Unlike adults, adolescents often experience:
- open growth plates
- rapid changes in limb length
- temporary muscle tightness during growth spurts
These factors mean that repetitive use can overload tissues
more quickly than expected.
Common Patterns of Overuse in Teenagers
In clinical practice, we frequently observe:
- hand and wrist pain in art-track students
- shoulder and elbow pain in music students
- lower limb overuse in runners and dancers
Pain often develops gradually and may fluctuate,
leading many teens to ignore early warning signs.
Why Adult Treatment Strategies Don’t Always Apply
Adults often benefit from aggressive strengthening,
load-based rehabilitation, or rapid return-to-activity protocols.
In teenagers, these approaches may:
- overstress immature tissues
- delay natural recovery
- increase the risk of chronic pain
Treatment for adolescents must balance recovery
with the demands of school, training, and exams.
The Importance of Sustainable Treatment During Exams
Teenagers preparing for entrance exams often cannot afford
complete rest.
This makes sustainable, low-risk treatment especially important.
Non-surgical options such as:
- activity modification
- protective bracing or splinting
- extracorporeal shockwave therapy
allow continued participation while supporting tissue recovery.
Why Shockwave Therapy Is Useful in Adolescents
Shockwave therapy is often misunderstood as a pain-only treatment.
In reality, it promotes:
- improved blood flow
- stimulation of tissue regeneration
- reduction of chronic inflammation
When applied appropriately,
it offers a medication-free option
suitable for long-term management.
Long-Term Risks of Ignoring Teen Overuse Injuries
Pain that is dismissed during adolescence
can persist into adulthood.
Untreated overuse injuries may lead to:
- chronic tendon disorders
- reduced joint tolerance
- recurring pain with activity
Early intervention helps protect long-term musculoskeletal health.
Related Articles
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Hand and Wrist Pain in Art-Track Teens
-
Why Pelvic Balance Matters in Running and Golf
-
Stay Fit & Healthy: Why Pelvic Balance Matters
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Should teenagers stop activity completely when pain occurs?
Not always. Complete rest is not always practical.
The goal is to reduce harmful load while supporting recovery.
2. Are medications recommended for teen overuse pain?
Medication may be used briefly,
but long-term reliance is generally avoided in adolescents.
3. Can early treatment prevent chronic pain?
Yes. Early, appropriate management significantly reduces
the risk of persistent pain into adulthood.
MADI-BONE CLINIC — Seolleung Station
MADI-BONE CLINIC
3F, 428 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Seolleung Station (Line 2) Exit 1 — 3 minutes on foot
📞 02-736-2626
⏰ Mon–Fri 09:30–18:30 / Sat 09:30–13:00
