GYMNASTICS INJURIES, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

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MOST COMMON GYMNASTICS INJURIES?

Because the upper body is used as a weight-
bearing joint in gymnastics, injuries to the
shoulder, elbow, and wrist are common and may
include:

-Superior Labrum,
-Anterior Posterior (SLAP)
-Lesions in the Shoulder
-Elbow Dislocation
-Wrist Sprains

The most common gymnastics injuries to the
lower body involve the knee and ankle. Lower
extremity injuries usually result from the landing
and dismount activities and may include:
-Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
-Achilles Tendon Injury
-Lower Back Injuries

TREATMENTS

Labral Tears
Labral tears (sometimes called SLAP tears) may
occur during any gymnastic exercise, but ring and
bar specialists seem particularly vulnerable. It is
characterized by pain that initially resolves but
tends to recur with return to sport. An MRI can be
helpful in establishing a definitive diagnosis.

Wrist Sprains
In gymnastics, the wrist is subjected to forces that
can exceed twice the body weight. The first step in
treating wrist pain is to reduce the training
volume of the athlete, relieve symptoms, and to
participate in only pain-free activities. After an
injury, gymnasts should avoid extensive pressure
on the wrist joint for six weeks. If the gymnast is
experiencing pain with non-gymnastic activities of
daily living, using a brace or cast to immobilize the
wrist temporarily may be helpful.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
ACL injuries can result when a gymnast lands
“short” or is over-rotated while tumbling,
dismounting, or vaulting.
A “pop” may be heard or felt followed by knee
swelling with hours. MRI is often used to confirm
ACL injury. As with other sports, ACL
reconstruction is recommended for gymnasts
who wish to return to full sports participation.
Achilles Tendon Injury

Gymnasts can suffer from a variety of injuries to
the Achilles tendon located just above the back of
the heel, as a result of the repetitive stress of
jumping and landing.
Achilles tendinitis results in calf soreness that is
aggravated with jumping and landing. Treatment
should initially consist of ultrasound, stretching,
activity modification, and calf exercises. Foot
immobilization for seven to ten days may be
beneficial for severe symptoms.

Foot and Ankle Injuries
Injuries to the foot and ankle are common in
gymnastics. Acute injuries are usually sprains
which can be minor or more serious. Swelling,
bruising and tenderness directly over the bones
are signs of a more serious injury. Minor injuries
typically have tenderness limited to one side of
the joint without significant swelling. Serious
injuries require evaluation by a qualified
professional while return to participation after a
minor injury is often possible within a week if
there is no pain (or limping) with weight bearing
activity. Protection with taping or a brace can aid
recovery and reduce the risk for reinjury. Chronic
ankle pain or repeated injuries are worrisome
and require evaluation before continuing with
participation.

Lower Back Injuries
The cause of low-back pain can include muscle
strain, ligament sprain, fracture, and/or disc
disorders. Frequently, low-back pain will worsen
with activity, especially with extension
movements, such as arching the shoulders
backwards.
Low-back pain in gymnasts related to muscular
strain or ligament sprain usually responds to rest
and physical therapy exercises. Persistent back
pain is uncommon and should not be ignored. An
MRI or a bone scan are often helpful to rule out
more significant injuries.

PREVENTION

Many gymnastics injuries can be prevented by
following proper training guidelines, using safety
equipment, and incorporating the following tips:
-Wear all required safety gear whenever
competing or training — special equipment may
include wrist guards, hand grips, footwear, ankle
or elbow braces, and pads
-Do not “play through the pain” — if you are hurt,
see your doctor and follow instructions for
treatment and recovery fully
-Make sure first aid is available at all
competitions and practices
-Inspect equipment to ensure that it is in good
condition, including padded floors, secured mats
under every apparatus, and safety harnesses for
learning difficult moves
-Insist on spotters when learning new skills
-Warm up muscles with light aerobic exercise,
such as jumping jacks or running in place,
before beginning training or new activities