Spring forward! Not just a gymnastics maneuver but a call to spring and the beginning of daylight savings time. Additional hours of daylight in the evening means we can all enjoy more of that much-needed California sunshine. As our local athletes spend more time training outside, our gymnasts continue to work hard inside, often year-round.
Gymnastics is a rigorous sport that requires hours of training and dedication. I am so impressed by how these athletes exhibit power, grace, endurance, and speed all within one performance. These athletic moves, however, place the gymnast at risk for injury. Common injuries include overuse injuries of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, as well as traumatic injuries to the lower extremities such as ACL or Achilles tears. Back injuries are common too due to repetitive twists and back extensions.
A common theme in my monthly updates is injury prevention. In gymnastics, this is paramount. Proper preparation, active spotting, and proper equipment can all help prevent injuries. As we’ve discussed previously, proper warm-up and stretching will help prevent injury. But don’t forget about the cool-down period and stretching at the end of your practice. Stretching at cool down can help prevent muscle soreness and can increase muscle length and flexibility. Hydrate, please!
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has partnered with STOP Sports Injuries to help educate parents, players, and coaches about how to prevent overuse injuries. Encourage your athlete to participate in multiple sports. However, at the higher levels of gymnastics, this might not be feasible. In that scenario, make sure your athlete takes time off during the year to rest and recover. Listen and watch for signs of overuse injury including back, wrist, or elbow pain
Just as we count the little leaguer’s pitches and innings to prevent elbow growth plate injuries, so too should we monitor gymnasts’ time spent landing on their hands. Call it a ‘land count or ‘hand count’. Wrist growth plate problems and elbow cartilage breakdown can occur with repetitive weight bearing through the hands.
As always, if you suspect an injury in yourself or your athlete, call us at Beach Cities Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. We will get you the proper treatment to keep you springing forward through the season.
Ryan Morgan, MD