Back-to-School Aches and Pains: How Massage Therapy Can Help Kids Feel Their Best

By: Alexandrea Eno, RMT

Back-to-school season means new routines, heavier backpacks, more time sitting at desks, sports practices, homework, and plenty of growing bodies adjusting to it all. While it’s an exciting time of year, these changes can sometimes leave children and teens feeling sore, stiff, or uncomfortable.

Massage therapy, when appropriate for a child’s age and individual needs, can be a gentle way to help manage muscle tension and support overall comfort.

Why Do Kids Get Aches and Pains During the School Year?

Children may not spend their day doing heavy physical work, but school can still place a

surprising amount of stress on their bodies.

Heavy backpacks: Carrying a backpack that is too heavy, poorly fitted, or regularly worn over one shoulder may contribute to discomfort in the shoulders, neck, and back.

Long periods of sitting: Hours spent at a desk, followed by homework, gaming, or screen time at home, can leave muscles feeling tight and tired. Slouching or leaning over a laptop or tablet may add to that discomfort.

Sports and extracurricular activities: Back-to-school often means a return to soccer, hockey, dance, gymnastics, running, and other activities. Sudden increases in activity can lead to tired or sore muscles, particularly when kids are still growing.

Growth and changing bodies: Children and teenagers go through periods of rapid growth. As their bodies change, they may experience temporary muscle tightness or discomfort, especially when combined with sports and busy schedules.

Stress: School can bring academic pressure, changing friendships, new teachers, busy schedules, and less downtime. Stress can sometimes show up physically as muscle tension, headaches, or difficulty relaxing.

How Can Massage Therapy Help?

Massage therapy can be adapted to suit younger clients, using comfortable pressure and techniques appropriate for their age and needs.

For some children and teens, massage therapy may help:

• Reduce muscle tension and soreness

• Promote relaxation

• Improve general comfort after sports and physical activity

• Address muscle tightness associated with prolonged sitting and daily activities

• Encourage awareness of posture and body mechanics

• Provide a calming break from a busy school and extracurricular schedule

  
  

A Registered Massage Therapist can also talk with parents and young clients about everyday habits that may contribute to discomfort, such as backpack fit, posture, activity levels, and recovery after sports.

Backpack Tips for a More Comfortable School Day

A few simple changes can make a difference. Encourage your child to wear both shoulder straps rather than carrying their backpack over one shoulder. Adjust the straps so the bag sits comfortably and close to the body, and regularly remove books or items that don't need to be carried every day.

Kids should also have opportunities to move throughout the day. After homework or screen time, getting up to stretch, walk around, or play can give tired muscles a welcome change of position.

Is Massage Therapy Appropriate for Kids?

Massage therapy can be appropriate for children and teenagers, but treatment should always be tailored to the individual. Communication, comfort, consent, and appropriate parental or guardian involvement are especially important when treating younger clients.

Massage therapy should also not be used as a substitute for medical assessment.

Persistent pain, severe pain, pain following an injury, numbness, weakness, fever, unexplained symptoms, or pain that interferes with a child's normal activities should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Help Them Start the School Year Feeling Their Best

Between backpacks, desks, homework, sports, growth spurts, and busy schedules, kids' bodies have a lot to adjust to when school starts again.

If your child or teenager is dealing with muscle tension or soreness, massage therapy may be one part of helping them stay comfortable, active, and ready for the school year ahead.

Book an appointment with a Registered Massage Therapist to discuss whether massage therapy may be appropriate for your child or teen.