In every sport--not just gymnastics--there stands the riskof injury, no matter how adept or flexible your gymnasthappens to be. The sport requires a lot of psychologicaland physical preparation, in part because it is extremelyrigorous, and in part because it demands a higher level ofskill than most other sports. The complexity that routinesentail increases the risk of painful injury and fatigue ifproper preparations are not taken to ensure all-aroundsafety.
The most common injuries to the body are those to the anklesand feet, the lower back, knees, hands, and wrists. Thesecan be due to overuse or simple stress. The lower bodyinjuries are generally because of unbalanced landings,while the back experiences strain when insufficientstretching has been performed. Scrapes and bruises are tobe expected, even if your gymnast is properly attired -- sosimply be prepared. Any injury to a gymnast’s body can bedetrimental to his or her performance in the future.Stiffness can result from lack of use of a limb or of theback if he or she is put out of the game for too long--thatis, if the injury is serious. For the most part, as aparent, you will have to deal with less serious injuries(hopefully), and you will not need to visit the doctor’soffice to have them treated.
In any case, the best course of action is indeed prevention.The standard safety measures in any sport are simple andeasily implemented, most especially for gymnastics.
First, you will want to make sure that your gymnast wearsthe proper clothing. If he or she has long hair, tie itback, braid it, or otherwise secure it. Do not allow themto wear clothing that is too loose or baggy and conduciveto tripping; the same goes for socks and shoes - nothingthat will cause them to slide on a nonporous surface.Remove all jewelry. Rings, for instance, can be caught onswelling fingers if one is sprained. Earrings can be tornfrom earlobes or carteliage in a mishap.
Then, make sure that you and your gymnast takes stock of thesurroundings. Wires from equipment can trip or cut;running into poles or other gymnasts can be a disaster. Totrip on a mat that is higher than the current surface mightbe painful.
Next, have them warm up. Warmups are vital to any sport,and every gymnast, whether they are a preschooler or aprofessional, should do them before starting any strenuousactivity. This includes jogging, speed walking, andstretching -- anything to get the blood moving and theheart pumping. Believe it or not, a good stretch decreasesthe risk of a strained or pulled muscle, and it actuallyfeels good. If you’re training with your young gymnast athome or otherwise on your own time, it’s advisable to be agood role model and join them in their warm-ups. Turn onsome music and move too. It’s a triple plus: you’ll beshowing her or him how to properly warm up, that you areinterested in what they are doing, and you will be gettingyour heart rate going strong too.
When your gymnast is out on the floor, make sure that he orshe takes breaks for water frequently. Hydration is key togood health. If he or she is sweating profusely,dehydration is possible, and that too can be a disasterwaiting in the wings.
Beyond all of the hazards of gymnastics, there is treatmentfor any injuries received. Of course, if your gymnast isinjured severely, a doctor visit might be the best idea --or even the emergency room. However, that is simply commonsense. On the other hand, if your child is not injuredseverely, you may wish to take care of him or her yourself.
But whatever you decide to do, please understand I am not adoctor and you should always consult your family doctor if you have any problems or concerns.
For sprains, strains, bumps and bruises, you should useice for the first twenty four hours. Ice cubes in aplastic bag with a facecloth or a hand towel wrapped aroundthe bag itself is sufficient if you do not have a medicalice pack. Never place ice directly against skin - andnever ice for more than twenty to thirty minutes at a time.
Three or four times in the first day after the injuryshould be sufficient. After that, gentle heat compresseswill help to relax any muscle spasms or pain that isn’ttaken care of with some kind of pain reliever (consult adoctor before giving your gymnast ANY medication).
Hopefully, you’ll never have to deal with injuries -- butremember, prevention is better than anything else. Keepthis in mind and be safe.
Good luck!
By Murray HughesGymnastics Secrets Revealed”The book EVERY gymnastics parent should read”
http://www.gymnasticssecretsrevealed.com/gymnastics-articles/gymnastics-injuries.htm
Nutrition For Your Young Athlete
Nutrition is extremely important for any young person,especially an athletic one, and even more so during thedevelopmental years of their life. Whether your child isinvolved in soccer or football, gymnastics or swimming orLittle League, he or she needs a good nutritive balance inorder to be successful in any endeavor. It cannot bestressed enough that anorexia and bulimia, chronicmalnutrition, are absolutely devastating not only to anathlete’s career, but also to overall health andwell-being. You should always watch for decreased eatingin your child, no matter how robust and healthy they mayseem.
Life After Gymnastics - Is There One?
Here are the men’s and women’s all-around champions from thelast five Olympic Games -- these are just briefbiographies, but they surely give you an idea of yourgymnast’s potential.
Gymnastics Olympic Champions From 1988-2004
Here are the men’s and women’s all-around champions from thelast five Olympic Games -- these are just briefbiographies, but they surely give you an idea of yourgymnast’s potential.
