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Helping Active Kids Stay in the Game—Safely

A scoliosis diagnosis can be overwhelming for young athletes and their families. One of the first questions parents often ask is, “Can my child still play sports?” At Elite Chiropractic, we believe that movement is vital—not only for physical development, but also for emotional well-being. The good news is that many children and teens with scoliosis can safely remain active in sports with proper guidance, monitoring, and scoliosis-specific care.

Whether your child is a competitive gymnast, soccer player, swimmer, or simply enjoys recreational activities, understanding how scoliosis interacts with physical activity is essential to supporting both their health and their performance.

Is It Safe to Play Sports with Scoliosis?

In most cases, yes—sports participation is not only safe for children and teens with scoliosis but also encouraged. Staying active helps build core strength, maintain flexibility, and improve posture, all of which can support better spinal function.

That said, not all activities impact the spine the same way. The type of sport, severity of the curvature, and individual spinal biomechanics should all be taken into account. At Elite Chiropractic, we provide individualized recommendations based on each patient’s curvature, posture, and physical goals.

Best Sports for Kids with Scoliosis

Certain activities are especially beneficial for young athletes with scoliosis because they promote symmetry, strength, and mobility without overloading the spine:

* Swimming: Offers full-body conditioning with minimal spinal stress 

* Soccer: Encourages cardiovascular fitness and leg strength 

* Track & Field: Promotes alignment and stability through lower-body engagement 

* Dance: Builds core strength and body awareness 

* Cycling: Can be safe with good posture and back support 

* Martial Arts: Emphasizes balance, discipline, and controlled movement

Sports to Approach with Caution

Some sports may place asymmetrical or repetitive stress on the spine, which can worsen postural imbalances or irritate already-sensitive areas. These include:

* Tennis or Golf (due to repeated one-sided rotation) 

* Competitive Cheerleading or Gymnastics (extreme flexibility and backbends) 

* Wrestling or Football (risk of spinal compression and impact injuries) 

* Rowing (can reinforce existing imbalances if not carefully monitored) 

That doesn’t mean these sports are off-limits. Instead, young athletes may need modifications, core strengthening, or chiropractic support to reduce risk and maintain spinal health.

EDF Casting (Mehta Casting)

For progressive infantile scoliosis, the most widely recommended non-surgical treatment is EDF (Elongation, De-Rotation, Flexion) casting, also known as Mehta casting. This method is applied in a series of casts over time and has been shown to be highly effective in managing and even correcting curves in young children before the spine solidifies.

An important metric used in these cases is the Rib-Vertebral Angle Difference (RVAD), measured through x-rays. RVAD helps determine which spinal curves are likely to worsen and which are likely to resolve on their own.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Young Athletes with Scoliosis

At Elite Chiropractic, we specialize in scoliosis-specific care using the advanced protocols of the CLEAR™ Institute. Our approach helps young athletes stay active while protecting their spine by:

* Improving spinal alignment and posture 

* Enhancing balance and body awareness 

* Relieving muscle imbalances and compensations 

* Supporting healthy movement patterns 

* Monitoring curve progression during growth spurts 

We also collaborate with athletic trainers, coaches, and physical therapists when needed to ensure continuity of care and proper technique in training environments.

Movement Guidelines for Parents and Athletes

Here are some general tips for safely navigating sports with scoliosis:

* Warm up thoroughly before physical activity to reduce injury risk 

* Focus on bilateral exercises that work both sides of the body evenly 

* Prioritize core strength—a strong core supports the spine 

* Monitor posture during and after activity for signs of fatigue or imbalance 

* Avoid repetitive hyperextension or extreme twisting motions unless cleared by a scoliosis specialist 

* Listen to your body—pain or discomfort is a signal that something needs to be adjusted

Regular check-ins with your scoliosis care provider are essential to ensure continued safety and performance as your child grows and develops.

Elite Chiropractic: Helping Your Athlete Thrive

Led by Dr. Collin Hilliard, the region’s first CLEAR™ Certified Scoliosis Doctor, Elite Chiropractic provides personalized, non-surgical scoliosis treatment for children, teens, and adults. We’ve helped hundreds of young people in Austin, Irving, and across Texas and neighboring states safely stay active while managing scoliosis with confidence.

Whether your child is newly diagnosed or already under care, we’re here to provide expert guidance every step of the way.

Early intervention is key to managing scoliosis effectively. If you suspect scoliosis in your child or want a professional evaluation, our team is here to help.