common injuries of cheerleading

Do you have the strength for football? The grace of dance? The agility of
gymnastics? Chances are you'll be good at cheerleading. Some of the cheerleading gymnastics include jumps, partner stunts, pyramids (you don't need to go to Egypt, though), and tumbling. To be a very good cheerleader, you need to focus your voice (don't swallow that frog), motions (don't do karate on the person below you on the pyramid), jumps, dancing, stunts, and gymnastics (just make sure you don't
use that poor person below you as a balence beam). Remember: This is a group effort. You are part of a team. Most of all, remember to have FUN!!!

About 208,800 kids between the ages of five and eighteen went to an emergency room between 1990 and 2002 with injuries related to cheerleading. There may be many more but not all injuries were reported.
Although strains and sprains in the lower extremities were the most common injury, performing stunts like the pyramid formation and basket tosses led to the most fall-related injuries. Unfortunately unlike other sports, cheerleaders are not taught how to fall correctly in order to avoid injury.
Ninety-seven percent of those injured in one study were girls. Not surprising as most particpants are girls.

A little over half of the injuries were strains and sprains (52.4%) Next soft tissue injuries (18.4%), fractures and dislocations (16.4%), lacerations and avulsions (3.8%), and concussions and closed head injuries (3.5%). More than 37% of all injuries were in the lower extremites, 26.4% of the injuries occurred in the upper extremity, 18.8% were head and neck injuries, and 16.8% were trunk injuries.

Sprains, strains and breaks: The usual treatment for sprains and strains is the PRICE protocol. If there is any deformity (the body part looks abnormal) then the Dr may order an X-ray to rule out a fracture. The limb should be wrapped in a compression bandage and rest the limb until the pain is gone. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication may help the pain. Always see a Dr if you are unsure about your injury. If it is a back injury do not move the injured person.

Head and neck Injuries: Head injuries can be very serious. If there is swelling or bruising apply ice. Check their level of consciousness by asking their name, where they are or the date (month and year). Never move a person who has had a fall and hurt their head or neck. It is best to have them stay still until help comes so ask the person to not move. If the person is not awake, and cannot be roused be sure they are breathing. If not clear their airway and listen for breathing. Some people with neck injuries lose their ability to breath and this is a life and death situation. You will need to breath for them. Cardipulmonary resuscitation needs to be stared.

Back Injuries: Back injuries in cheerleading usually are the result of a fall. Luckily the most common back injury is a hurt tailbone
but some can be extremely dangerous. The most important thing to remember is never move a person who has an injured back. If you move a person the wrong way they could be paralyzed for the rest of their lives. Keep the person flat on the ground. Ask if they can move and feel their arms and legs.

Prevention
- Train with a coach with experience,
- Make sure you are adequately conditioned,
- Good supervision,
- Use cushioned playing surfaces,
- Adequate nutrition
- Appropriate shoes.
- Make sure somebody can perform CPR