Common Gymnastics Injuries
Gymnasts must be both powerful and graceful. They first learn to perfect a skill and then work on making their bodies look elegant while performing it. Gymnasts use both their arms and legs, putting them at risk for injury to almost any joint in the body. Some gymnastics injuries, such as bruises and scrapes, are inevitable. More serious, common gymnastics injuries include:
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Wrist fractures
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Cartilage damage
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Knee and low back pain
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Spinal fractures and herniated discs
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Shoulder instability
Causes of Gymnastics Injuries
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Insufficient flexibility
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Decreased strength in the arms, legs, or core
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Poor balance
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Imbalances in strength or flexibility (one side stronger than the other)
Preventing Gymnastics Injuries
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Strength training is good for injury prevention. It also keeps gymnasts motivated by helping them progress to the next skill level.
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Having a strong core provides gymnasts with a stable base for the arms and legs as they move in different directions.
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When the core (specifically the transverse abdominis muscle) contracts, it decreases the pressure placed on the lumbar spine. This muscle contracts when you try to draw the belly button toward the spine.
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Contracting this muscle while performing exercises on a therapy ball or stable surface will strengthen the core.
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Other good core exercises include planks, bridges, or tuck ups while hanging on the bar.
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Flexibility imbalances can occur in the thighs, calf muscles, and hips. Performing stretches several times a day and holding each stretch for 30 seconds will make a difference in flexibility.
Perfection
Gymnasts strive for perfection. This can wear on the athlete, causing frustration or lack of enjoyment. Parents should support and talk to their gymnasts, but also let them know that, if they no longer enjoy the sport, it's okay to end participation.
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