Description
Gymnastics is a demanding sport that requires intense practice. The sport involves complex movements, puts weight-bearing stress on the upper body, and entails twists, flips, and landings that put gymnasts at risk for injury.
Symptoms
Common injuries include acute fractures and stress fractures, tendon injuries, sprains, or dislocations of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knees, or ankles. Bends and twists can lead to back injuries.
Prevention Strategies
During the off-season, a balanced fitness program should include aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility. If a gymnast is out of shape at the beginning of the season, she/he should gradually increase activity level and slowly build up to a higher fitness level. You should be in good physical condition before attempting more complex gymnastics moves.
Before each practice session, a gymnast should warm up and stretch. After the aerobic warm-up, gently stretch. Stretching should be repeated at the end of practice or competition to reduce the risk of injury and muscle soreness.
Make sure that you are properly hydrated. A general guideline is to drink 24 ounces of non-caffeinated fluid 2 hours before exercise, an additional 8 ounces of water right before exercise, and 8 ounces of water after 20 minutes during exercise. Drink fluids as needed during exercise or breaks.
Dress appropriately by wearing the appropriate safety gear. Discuss with your coach the best hand-grips, wrist guards, belts, pads, and braces. These may be required depending on the event.
Always make sure the equipment is properly maintained before practice and competitions. Equipment should be placed far enough apart that the gymnasts are clear of other athletes and equipment. Training facilities should have appropriate floor padding to reduce the force of landing. Mats should be placed and secured under equipment.
Proper technique should be used during skills. When attempting a new skill, a gymnast should talk to a coach to make sure they are physically prepared for the move and understand the execution. Safety harnesses should be used when learning a new, complex skill. Spotting is essential during all practice sessions.
Preparation
Coaches should be knowledgeable about basic first aid and be able to use it for minor injuries. They should be prepared for emergencies with a plan to reach medical attention for more significant injuries.
Return to Play
An injured athlete’s symptoms must be completely gone before returning to gymnastics. They should have no pain or swelling with normal range of motion and strength before returning. Athletes should be medically cleared for return to sport following all significant injuries (including concussions).
Prevent Overuse Injuries
There is an increase in overuse injuries in young athletes who focus on just one sport and train year-round. To help prevent overuse injuries, limit the number of teams you participate on during a single season. Take regular breaks and consider playing other sports to help with skill development and injury prevention.
More Information
Q: What common injuries occur during gymnastics?
Common injuries include acute fractures and stress fractures, tendon injuries, sprains, or dislocations of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knees, or ankles. Bends and twists can lead to back injuries. The sport involves complex movements, puts weight-bearing stress on the upper body, and entails twists, flips, and landings that put gymnasts at risk for injury.
Q: What strategies can be used to prevent injuries in gymnastics?
Gymnasts should maintain good physical condition, always do a complete warm-up, followed by stretching and cool down exercises, and drink plenty of water before and after exercise.
Q: Is there special equipment that should be used while participating in gymnastics?
Yes. Safety gear includes hand-grips, wrist guards, belts, pads, and braces. These may be required depending on the event.
Q: Should special precautions be taken when attempting a new skill?
Yes. When trying a new skill, a gymnast should talk to a coach to make sure they are physically prepared for the move and understand the execution. Safety harnesses should be used when learning a new, complex skill. Spotting is essential during all practice sessions.
Q: After an injury, when can a gymnast return to sport?
An injured athlete’s symptoms must be completely gone before returning to gymnastics. They should have no pain or swelling with normal range of motion and strength before returning. Athletes should be medically cleared for return to sport following all significant injuries (including concussions).
Q: Are there strategies for preventing overuse injuries?
Yes. There is an increase in overuse injuries in young athletes who focus on just one sport and train year-round. To help prevent overuse injuries, limit the number of teams you participate on during a single season. Take regular breaks and consider playing other sports to help with skill development and injury prevention.
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