Don’t Just Jump into Gymnastics
The excitement of Rio2016 is in the air and all eyes, including those of SOS physicians and staff, are on the American Olympic team. Gabby Douglas and the other members of the U.S. Women’s Gymnastic Team make flips, vaults and balance beams look easy. However, these elite gymnasts have been practicing hours daily since the time they were toddlers to perfect their moves.
According to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the weight-bearing stresses placed on the upper body during many gymnastic moves, and the countless twists, flips, and landings put gymnasts at risk for injury. Some of the more common upper body injuries include tears of the tendons and other tissues that support the shoulder, elbow dislocations, and wrist sprains. Fractures, sprains, and strains frequently occur in the lower body, most often affecting the knees and ankles. The bends and twists required in many gymnastics movements can lead to lower back injuries.
If you or your child is inspired to try gymnastics, members of the SOS Sports Medicine team have these tips from the AAOS to practice safely:
- Maintain fitness year round not just during the gymnastic season.
- Warm up and stretch. Research studies show that cold muscles are more prone to injury.
- Cool down and stretch. Stretching can help reduce muscle soreness and keep muscles long and flexible.
- Wear proper footwear and gear. Consult with a coach about what types of shoes to wear or if bare feet are appropriate. Other safety gear includes: hand grips; wrist guards; wrist, ankle or torso belts; braces for ankle, knee, elbow and wrist; and knee, elbow or heel pads.
- Take gymnastics classes and/or train with a coach to learn proper technique.
- Only train in a facility with floor padding and equipment that is kept in good condition.
Be certain to follow the recommended precautions, but should an injury occur, SOS PLUS After Hours Care is available. A walk-in orthopedic medical clinic that treats patients of all ages with acute orthopedic conditions requiring immediate attention, SOS Plus has two locations to best serve patients.
SOS PLUS is located at 5719 Widewaters Parkway in Dewitt and 5000 West Seneca Turnpike in Onondaga Hill.
Hours for both locations are weekdays 5 pm – 8:30 pm, and weekends 10 am – 2 pm.