Gymnastics is a beautiful sport with numerous fun and exciting activities. However, these are also potentially dangerous and, therefore, many injuries can take place during gymnastics. Most commonly, sprains and strains are the types of injury an athlete in these sports has to endure. Yet, more traumatic injuries may take place as well. Therefore, both the athlete and his/her coach need to make sure that the athlete is safe during gymnastics.
Types of Injuries in Gymnastics
Some of the most frequent injuries which affect gymnastics athletes are chronic, overuse injuries which require resting and appropriate rehabilitation in order to heal. On the other hand, there are injuries which need to be treated immediately, being acute and unavoidable due to risky performances this sport often requires.
As for risk groups, female athletes are most likely to be hurt, especially if they are into cheerleading, lacrosse, track or field hockey.
Back injuries are quite common, including muscle strains in the area, along with spondylolysis. Additionally, twisting, grabbing and flipping on the mats and exercise devices, all are factors which can easily lead to bruising and contusions.
Taking into consideration the amounts of training necessary for getting prepared for a gymnastics event or competition, we need to include overstraining and muscle soreness into the list of frequent injuries. These occur 12 to 48 hours after the overstraining and require complete rest and rehabilitation in order to be treated.
If sprains and strains take place, resting, elevation and applying ice compress are necessary interventions. Ankles and wrists are the most common body parts affected by spraining and straining due to gymnastics. Therefore, these need to be treated as soon as possible.
Hard landings, impacts on the surface and other such types of encounters can easily lead to stress fractures. Also, demanding trainings can take their toll on a person and manifest through absence of menstrual periods. Then, the person needs to relax, rest and allow her body to regain the lost energy, getting rid of stress.
Causes of Gymnastics Injuries
Nowadays, gymnastics has taken a whole new level, with new, impossibly hard and demanding stunts being invented and the competition more capable than ever. Precision, strength and excellent physical and mental health are necessary for performing gymnastics. Lack of any of these factors may lead to physical injury or both physical and mental overstraining. So, both coaches and athletes need to work on preventing negative outcomes of gymnastics from taking place.
All in all, in order to stay safe from injuries, train with a skilled, experienced and qualified coach, stay protected and train in well-secured environments. Also, never try out stunts if you do not have adequate supervision and support near you.
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