Why it happens, what to avoid, and how physiotherapy helps kids recover faster while staying active
“My child’s knee hurts… should I be worried?”
Your 12-year-old finishes training and limps toward you, rubbing their knee and wincing. You ask what happened, and they shrug: “It just hurts here.” They point to a small bump just below the kneecap — maybe it’s tender, maybe swollen — and you wonder:
Is it just growing pains, or something more?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Knee pain in growing kids is one of the most common reasons parents bring their children to see a physiotherapist. And one of the most frequent culprits is a condition called Osgood-Schlatter Disease.
At Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage in Booragoon, we see this regularly — especially in active kids who love soccer, basketball, netball, tennis, and running. The good news? With the right guidance, your child doesn’t have to sit on the sidelines. Physio can help them recover, stay active, and come back even stronger.
What Is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?
Osgood-Schlatter Disease (or simply OSD) is a traction injury that happens during rapid growth periods — typically between the ages of 10 and 15.
It occurs at the tibial tuberosity, the small bump just below the kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches. During a growth spurt, bones lengthen quickly — often faster than muscles and tendons can adapt. Combine that with regular running, jumping, and squatting, and the repeated pulling of the tendon irritates the bone beneath it.
Common symptoms include:
Pain or tenderness just below the kneecap (on one or both knees)
Swelling or a noticeable bump
Pain during running, jumping, squatting, or kneeling
Pain that improves with rest but returns when sport resumes
It’s not dangerous, but it can be frustrating — especially for kids who love their sport and don’t want to stop moving.
(If you’re unsure whether your child’s pain is Osgood-Schlatter or something else, a Sports Physio for Youth assessment is a great place to start.)
Why It Happens — Growth, Load, and Movement
During adolescence, the body goes through major changes. Bones grow longer, muscles stretch to catch up, and tendons are under extra tension.
In sports like soccer, basketball, or netball — where there’s lots of running, jumping, and direction changes — the quadriceps muscles repeatedly pull on the patellar tendon. This constant load creates micro-stress at the shinbone attachment, which can lead to pain and swelling.
Sometimes, other movement factors make it worse:
Tight quadriceps or hamstrings
Weak glutes or core muscles
Poor landing or jumping mechanics
A sudden increase in training volume or intensity
So while the “growth” part can’t be stopped, the “strain” part can definitely be managed — and that’s where a physiotherapist plays a big role.
What to Avoid (and Why)
When kids are in pain, it’s natural for parents to either go all-in (“push through it, it’ll toughen you up”) or all-out (“stop everything until it’s gone”). But the best solution usually lies somewhere in between.
Here’s what to avoid:
❌ Pushing through pain: It can increase irritation and prolong recovery.
❌ Ignoring it: Kids often compensate by moving differently, which can lead to new issues in hips or ankles.
❌ Total rest for weeks: Muscles weaken, coordination drops, and returning to sport becomes harder.
❌ Only using ice or braces: They may help symptoms, but don’t address the cause.
✅ What works best: Gradual load management, strength and mobility exercises, and education — so kids understand what’s happening and feel confident moving again.
Did you know? Most kids with Osgood-Schlatter can keep playing sport — with modified activity and the right guidance from a physiotherapist.
How Physiotherapy Helps Kids with Osgood-Schlatter
At Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage, our goal is simple:
Keep kids moving safely while helping them recover fully.
Here’s how we do it:
1. Comprehensive Assessment
We start by assessing the child’s movement, flexibility, and strength — especially around the hips, quads, and knees. We also review their training load and growth history to find the underlying cause.
2. Education for Parents and Kids
We explain what’s happening in plain language so everyone understands that the pain isn’t “something broken,” but simply irritation from overuse. That knowledge alone reduces anxiety — for both the parent and the child.
3. Tailored Exercise Program
We design a progressive, age-appropriate plan that focuses on:
Strengthening the glutes, quads, and core
Improving flexibility and mobility
Correcting movement patterns (like jumping and landing)
4. Smart Activity Modification
Stopping sport completely isn’t always necessary. Instead, we help kids adjust training — reducing load, avoiding high-impact drills, and substituting safer activities — so they can stay active without aggravating the knee.
5. Manual Therapy and Recovery Techniques
In some cases, gentle hands-on therapy, soft tissue release, or taping can reduce pain and support better movement.
(If your child’s pain has been ongoing or affecting multiple areas, our Physiotherapy Rehab Program can provide a structured plan to rebuild strength and function step by step.)
The Parent Perspective — Balancing Care and Confidence
Parents often walk a fine line: you don’t want your child to be in pain, but you also don’t want them to lose their confidence or fitness.
We completely understand that. At our clinic, we spend just as much time supporting parents as we do coaching kids — helping you know when to encourage, when to rest, and when to adjust.
Here are some simple tips:
Encourage your child to speak up early about pain — don’t brush it off as “just growing pains.”
Help them stay consistent with their physio exercises — even short daily sessions matter.
Focus on recovery: good sleep, proper nutrition, and gradual return to sport.
Celebrate progress — pain-free running, better squats, or just the confidence to move again.
With the right plan, kids typically recover within a few months — and many return to sport stronger, more aware, and more resilient than before.
The Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage Difference
At Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage in Booragoon, we pride ourselves on being great with kids and teens — not just because we understand injuries, but because we understand young athletes.
We make rehab fun, encouraging, and empowering. Our physiotherapists are experienced in working with children and use age-appropriate coaching that keeps sessions engaging.
Our approach is all about:
Bridging the gap between rehab and performance
Helping kids move better, not just feel better
Providing access to our rehab and performance gym to make recovery active, not passive
We regularly work with young athletes from Booragoon, Melville, Myaree, and the wider Perth community — helping them stay strong, confident, and ready for sport.
Conclusion — Growing Strong, Not Just Growing Pains
Osgood-Schlatter Disease can be frustrating — for both parents and kids. But it’s also an opportunity to teach young athletes how to listen to their bodies, move well, and build strength for the future.
With the right physiotherapy approach, most kids make a full recovery and return to their sport without long-term issues. The key is early assessment, proper load management, and a supportive team that understands how to keep kids active safely.
If your child is struggling with knee pain or you’re unsure whether it’s just growing pains, we’re here to help.
👉 Book an assessment with one of our physiotherapists in Booragoon — and let’s get your young athlete back to moving freely, confidently, and pain-free.
