There’s nothing quite like the joyful bounce of a trampoline on a sunny day—giggles, somersaults, and all. But what starts as backyard fun can quickly take a turn if safety isn’t top of mind. Every year, trampoline-related injuries send kids (and adults) across Calgary to healthcare providers for help that could often be prevented.
With a little foresight and the right guidance, trampoline injuries can often be avoided. Here’s how Calgary families can keep things safe, with tips straight from a local chiropractor.
The Growing Popularity of Trampolines in Calgary
Trampolines have quickly become a backyard favourite across Calgary. But while their popularity has soared, so have the risks—particularly at home, where safety standards can vary. Unlike trampoline parks, which often enforce strict rules and padded surroundings, backyard trampolines may lack essential features like net enclosures, proper supervision, or regular maintenance. This creates the perfect storm for preventable injuries like sprains, strains, and falls.
The accessibility of backyard trampolines is part of their appeal—but without the right setup and safety habits, they can also be the source of serious accidents, especially for children.
Why Trampoline Safety Matters
Bouncing on a trampoline might seem like harmless fun, but the physical impact adds up—especially for growing bodies. Unlike other sports or activities that typically have structured rules and trained coaches, trampoline use is often unsupervised and unregulated at home. That’s where the risks increase. Children may jump with improper form, land awkwardly, or collide with others—leading to injuries that range from mild strains to more serious trauma.
Trampoline injuries are more common than many realize. The most frequent ones include:
Sprained ankles and wrists
Fractures (particularly in the arms or collarbone)
Whiplash and neck stiffness
Lower back strain
Concussions from falls or collisions
Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to long-term discomfort if not addressed properly. That’s why education, supervision, and early intervention are key components of trampoline injury prevention.
Expert Trampoline Safety Tips from a Calgary Chiropractor
Backyard trampolines are all about fun—but a few simple safety practices can make a big difference in preventing injuries. Whether your family jumps daily or just occasionally, creating a safe environment and following key steps before, during, and after each session can help reduce risk and keep the experience enjoyable for everyone.
1) Creating a Safe Backyard Trampoline Environment
Install the trampoline on a soft surface like grass, or use safety mats underneath.
Keep the area clear of trees, fences, and other hard structures.
Regularly inspect the frame, springs, netting, and padding for wear and tear.
2) Before Jumping:
Check for tears in the mat, loose springs, or exposed metal parts.
Confirm it’s on level ground and features a safety net enclosure and padding.
Limit use to one person at a time to prevent accidental collisions.
3) During Use:
Avoid flips or somersaults unless properly trained—these movements carry a high risk of neck and spinal injuries.
Encourage controlled jumps with soft landings and bent knees.
Always supervise young children closely during trampoline play.
4) After Jumping:
Do a few light stretches to reduce muscle tightness and support recovery.
Watch for any signs of pain, stiffness, or strain in the hours or days following—especially in the ankles, back, or neck.
How to Prevent Trampoline Injuries: Calgary Chiropractor’s Key Advice
While technique and supervision matter, the overall environment and house rules can be just as crucial in preventing trampoline injuries. Think of this as your injury prevention checklist—a few simple, proactive measures can go a long way in making trampoline time safer for everyone.
Supervise all trampoline use.
Set clear, consistent rules.
Create age-appropriate guidelines.
Install a safety net enclosure.
Use frame padding.
Wear non-slip socks or go barefoot.
Secure the trampoline with anchor kits or sandbags.
Remove the access ladder when not in use.
These straightforward safety strategies can dramatically reduce injury risks while giving families more peace of mind.
The Role of Chiropractic Care in Trampoline Injury Prevention
Preventing trampoline injuries isn't just about equipment and rules—it's also about how the body moves. Chiropractic care can play a proactive role in helping families prepare for safe activity by supporting proper posture, joint function, and mobility.
A chiropractic assessment may help identify movement patterns or joint restrictions that could increase the risk of strains or awkward landings. By addressing these imbalances early on, families can improve body awareness and coordination—key factors in injury prevention for trampoline users of all ages.
Additionally, routine care may help with recovery from minor wear and tear that naturally comes from repetitive jumping, reducing the likelihood of more serious issues developing over time.
How to Handle Trampoline Injuries When They Occur
Even with the best precautions, injuries can still happen. Early intervention helps minimize complications and supports a safe return to activity. If an injury happens:
Stop activity immediately to prevent further injury.
Apply ice to the affected area for 15–20 minutes to help manage swelling.
Elevate the injured area, if possible, to reduce inflammation.
Monitor for changes—look out for persistent pain, swelling, or limited movement.
Seek a professional assessment if symptoms don’t improve or if the injury appears more serious than initially expected.
When to See a Calgary Chiropractor After a Trampoline Injury
Not all trampoline injuries are obvious right away. Sometimes, discomfort can develop gradually after the fun has ended—especially in children who might not fully express their pain or understand its severity. You should consider booking a chiropractic assessment if your child (or you) experiences:
Persistent pain in the back, neck, shoulders, or limbs.
Limited range of motion, such as trouble turning the neck or bending without discomfort.
Swelling that doesn’t subside within a few days.
Difficulty walking or moving freely, even with rest.
Trampoline Injury Prevention in Calgary
Trampolines offer countless moments of joy, movement, and connection—but only when safety takes the lead. From proper setup to mindful supervision and injury prevention strategies, Calgary families can enjoy all the fun trampolines have to offer without the unnecessary risks.
And if injuries do occur, don’t wait to seek support. Whether it’s a lingering ache, restricted movement, or signs of imbalance, early chiropractic care can help support the body’s natural recovery and get your family back to moving comfortably.
Looking to stay ahead of injuries or manage a recent trampoline mishap? Book a chiropractic assessment with Cameron Family Chiropractic today. We’re here to support healthy movement, safe play, and lasting wellness for active Calgary families.
FAQs: Preventing Trampoline Injuries in Calgary
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Trampolines are best for children aged 6 and up, with close supervision.
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It's safest to allow only one person on the trampoline at a time to prevent collisions.
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Yes, chiropractors can assess and address musculoskeletal concerns to support recovery.