GYMNASTICS INJURIES

The Beginner Gymnast

Because of the need for years of intense practice to reach high level of skill many pre-adolescent and adolescent athletes are being directed toward gymnastics. In many instances they are rapidly progressing to skills and stunts attempted by older athletes only a few years ago. The implication here is whether the young athlete’s body ( particularly the bones ) can withstand the stresses.
The primary area of consideration are the epiphyses or growth centers of the young athletes. The growth centers of the young athletes are particularly susceptible to stress; the complication being permanent damage to the growth centers . Accordingly, the coach should be highly suspicious of the young athlete complaining of pain around the growth centers at the end of bones. The tibia, elbow, and low back are potential problem areas. Pain is not always and expected by-product of intense training. Be suspicious and conservative.
At this point it seems clear that gymnastics is a risk activity. As a result of the equipment involved and the nature of the various skills, injuries, some potentially acute, are a regular occurrence. Those individuals’ coaches and/or trainers, responsible for the gymnasts’ health should be prepared to deal with these injuries.
1 They must understand the nature of the activity and its skills.
2 They must identify the risk skills and control them.
3 They must be prepared to respond in a conservative, consistent and systematic manner when
evaluating and managing suspected injuries.
4. They must have appropriate and immediate follow-up ( emergency transportation )available.
(Note ) the success of a quality athletic injury care program depends on the availability of competent
and interested physicians in order that the coach may refer the injured athlete for definitive diagnosis
and managements.
5.The use of tape should not replace proper management and rehabilitation but supplement it.
6. Despite all the management methods, rest and a conservative approach is likely to provide the most consistent long-term results.