Gymnastics
Most Common Injuries
Although gymnastics has been traced to ancient Egypt, the sport officially begain in 1848 for
the United States, when the Turners Gymnastic Club, derived from the Turnverin Club in
Germant, was founded in Cincinnati. Enthusiasm for gymnastics as a sport continued to grow until the
mid 1940s, when most gymnastics took place in large public schools and men's athletic clubs in
larger cities. Gymnastics demands that athletes have total control of their bodies at all times.
They must train themselves physically and mentally as they climb from level to level, because
the sport becomes more and more demanding and complex. Gymnast begin a career by choosing a
suitable coach. The coach usually advises to get to know your body's ability to enable you to
prepare properly and get the most out out of every workout while avoiding these
all to common injuries:
- Pulled muscle. (Known as strains, these injuries can limit or end participation and may be
caused by poor warm-up or fatique.)
- Sprains and/or strains of the foot. (Caused by training techniques and/or footwear.)
- Sprained knees and anlkes. (Caused by poor running surfaces)
- Hip and back pain. (Causes are most often complicated and serious.)
Treatment
The following first aid should be used for almost all athletic injuries: pulled muscles,
sprained liagaments or broken bones. These guidelines should NOT be used instead of visting
a doctor.
R.I.C.E.
- Rest- Stop using the injured bosy part the minute it is hurt. Use a sling, crutches or splint.
- Ice- The more blood that collects at the injury site the longer it will take to heal. Keep ice on
for 20 minutes per half hour for the first 24 to 72 hours. Place a damp towel or dressing between
the ice and skin.
- Compression- Wrap an elastic bandage firmly over the ice and around the injured body part. If
cramping or throbbing occurs, unwrap at once.
- Elevation- Raise the injured part above your heart.
The R.I.C.E. program should be used for the first 24 to 72 hours after injury.
When you should see a doctor?
You know your body best. If intuition tells you that something is wrong, see your doctor. If
you are in doubt, see your doctor.
- Pain. Pain is natures way of saying don't do something. When it speaks, listen.
- All joint injuries. All injuries to a joint or its ligaments should be examined by a physician.
If they are not treated quickly, these injuries can become more serious.
- Loss of function. If you cannot move an arm, leg, or any part of either, then you have lost function.
Pain and/or deformity may be present.
- Pain that lasts for more than two weeks. Persistent pain indicates something serious. If the degree
of pain is constant or slightly improved, see your doctor.
Prevention
The use of proper equipment and not over doing one's self can prevent the majority of all injuries.
Regular stretching may also reduce injuries.
Keys to Proper Warm-up
- Before stretching do a few light exercises to increase the blood flow within muscles.
- Stretch-Examples of Stretching
