Avoiding injury is important for any athlete, and gymnasts are no exception. With most gymnasts training year-round, it's no wonder that repetitive stress injuries can be a very common occurrence.
What is Repetitive Stress Injury?
Repetitive stress injuries, also known as RSIs, are injuries that occur due to recurrent overuse or improper use. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the best-known repetitive stress injuries, often affecting typists, writers, and checkers at the grocery store.
RPI's are becoming more common in young athletes because many kids are now specializing in one sport at an earlier age, continually using the same muscle groups in the same manner, repetitively. This can lead to muscle imbalance, which in turn can lead to stress injuries when combined with overtraining and inadequate rest.
Ensure Proper Equipment is Provided at Your Gym
Ensure proper equipment is provided at your gym. When gymnasts are performing tumbling routines and other acrobatic moves, falls can occur. Mats and other gymnastic equipment should be secured and in good condition to help prevent injury. If possible, extra padding should be provided when learning new skills.
Also, it's important that your grips and wristbands fit properly and are in good condition. Dowel grips, palm grips, uneven bar grips, and Tiger Paws all come in a variety of sizes, so be sure that you are using the right size for proper support. Before using new grips, double-check the size and fit with your coach and replace wristbands when they become worn and no longer provide the cushioning needed under grips. Be sure to replace grips once they begin to look worn and make sure you break them in slowly to ensure they are ready to handle your skills.
Use Good Technique
Using proper technique can also help prevent injury. Gymnasts should be spotted when learning new skills and should be prepared by their coaches for new skills and routines. Be sure to listen to the instructions of your coaches and try to remember all the corrections they give you during practice.
Common Signs of Overuse Injury
The most common sign of a repetitive stress injury is pain that cannot be traced back to an acute injury, such as a fall. Other signs include swelling and changes in form or technique due to discomfort.
Have Injuries Evaluated
Any pain that is recurring, even if it's minor, should be evaluated by a physician. Common overuse injuries such as Osgood-Schlatter disease, Sever's disease, and Jumper's knee can become more painful without treatment. Treatments can range from rest and ice packs to ibuprofen and stretching to a cast or brace while fractures heal.
Most importantly, listen to your body. You can not perform your best gymnastics if you are in pain or unable to practice. Be sure to take the time you need to heal injuries when they happen so that it is not a problem down the road that takes you out of even more practice.
