Backpacks come in all sizes, colors, fabrics, and shapes and help kids of all ages express their own personal sense of style. And when used properly, they're incredibly handy.

Many packs feature multiple compartments that help students stay organized while they tote their books and papers from home to school and back again. Compared with shoulder bags, messenger bags, or purses, backpacks are better because the strongest muscles in the body - the back and the abdominal muscles - support the weight of the packs.

When worn correctly, the weight in a backpack is evenly distributed across the body, and shoulder and neck injuries are less common than if someone carried a briefcase or purse.

As practical as backpacks are, though, they can strain muscles and joints and may cause back pain if they're too heavy or are used incorrectly. Click here for some tips about backpack safety:

1. Where did you grow up?  

I grew up in Trinidad, Colorado with two brothers but I now live in Golden with my 3 daughters. I attended the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center where I earned my Physical Therapy degree.

2. What did you want to be when you grew up?  

I wanted to be various things when I was younger, including a pharmacist, doctor and a teacher. After observing several professions I decided that physical therapy would be a good fit and allow me to work in a health care profession and to teach on a daily basis.

3.What are your hobbies?  

In my free time I enjoy golfing, walking, bike riding and watching my daughters play sports.

4. What kind of injuries do you see in your daugthers' sports?

One common injury I see is sprained ankles. To treat a sprained ankle, I use ice, compression, soft tissue mobilization and elevation. I also use an ankle brace at times for soccer/basketball and I use custom orthotics for soccer cleats which decreases ankle pain.

Another injury my older daughter has had is patellar tendonitis. For this I used ice, tape to unload the tendon and I taught her hip strengthening exercises. Hip weakness was the primary reason she was landing from jumps incorrectly and increasing stress to her knees. She was able to participate in a 4 day basketball camp without knee pain when her hips were strong. 

For my younger daughter who plays a lot of volleyball, I saw shoulder pain due to stiffness in her rib joints. This responded to joint mobilization and strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and scapular muscles.  

5. What is your favorite place in Colorado or the world?  

Steamboat Springs in the summer, especially when the balloon festival is in town. I really enjoyed Venice, Italy, because it was so unique. I also like Cinque Terre, Italy. It had great food, beaches and the views were beautiful .

6. What is your favorite quote?  

"If I can treat you, I can help you today, but if I can teach you, I can help you for a lifetime." 

Learn more about Janet Incitti

Doctors often recommend physical therapy for kids who have been injured or have movement problems from an illness, disease, or disability. After an injury, physical therapists are often able to relieve pain and help kids resume daily activities. 

Physical therapists teach kids exercises designed to help them regain strength and range of motion, and also show them how to prevent a recurring injury. Read more about PT for kids by clicking here.

STAYING ACTIVE TIP - FITNESS FOR KIDS

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