Do you have a child with scoliosis between the ages of 10-19 or are you a teenager yourself and aching to grow taller?
This time of life is a roller coaster filled with both emotional and physical changes.
One of the changes teens are the most excited about is growing taller!
Studies have shown that puberty is starting younger but still lasting as long as it ever has…
- Girls typically finish most growth by age 17
- Boys typically finish most growth by age 19
4 Tips to help your child/teen get the most out of their growth spurt :
- Monthly Height checks: Its time to get out your pencil and find a place in their room to measure height. Consistent height checks during adolescence are KEY to keeping a check on the progression of their scoliotic curve. If you are finding a ‘jump’ in height from one month to the next, and your child/teen has scoliosis, or you are suspecting it: that is a sign that their scoliotic curve is changing. It may be decreasing but it also could be increasing. Please follow up with your pediatrician when you see this change. You may also contact our clinic for an evaluation and/or treatment session.
- Calcium and vitamin D: These nutrients are vital to bone growth ! They can be found in foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, white beans, fish, foods fortified in vitamin D (cereals, OJ, and some dairy products), cheese . These ” 2 critical nutrients for bones: Calcium is a crucial guiding block of bone tissue. Vitamin D helps the body absorb and process calcium. Together these two nutrients are the cornerstone of healthy bones.”- How to Keep Your Bones Strong as They Age.
- Sleep– 9-11 hours per night for kids ages 6-13 and 8-10 hours per night for teens ages 14-19. Sleep is ESSENTIAL for tissue growth and repair.
- Daily exercise: Bones love weight bearing so go take a walk, run or skip in the park to help your bones grow strong and healthy
It is ideal for scoliosis check-in’s every 3-4 months with your physical therapist during your child/teen’s growth spurt
These physical therapy sessions include height and posture checks, review and progression of exercises, and access to exclusive online video content to help strengthen the spine.
If you are in need of a scoliosis check-in, then schedule your appointment today before the growth spurt ends and skeletal changes are more permanent.
