Wrestling injuries

Wrestling is a sport that carries a high rate of injuries, both for beginners and experienced wrestlers alike, as experienced wrestlers are more likely to attempt dangerous stunts. The largest percentage of wrestling injuries occurs during take down, with sparring being second most common.

Wrestling injuries are related to musculoskeletal strength, flexibility and skill. The most common wrestling injuries are:

Shoulder injuries

Rotator cuff tendonitis is a wrestling injury that results from the continuous strain of grappling for position. Symptoms are shoulder pain, swelling and tenderness over the site. Rest and icing are important to manage the pain and swelling. You may also use anti-inflammatory medications, however physiotherapy is required to promote flexibility and strength. Wrestlers who are flexible and well conditioned suffer fewer injuries. Shoulder injuries are also common during take-downs, where a wrestler falls on outstretched hand with a straight arm.

Elbow injuries

Also common during takedowns, a wrestler falls on his outstretched arm and sustains an elbow dislocation. Repetitive injuries such as cubital tunnel syndrome can also occur from the constant strain of wrestling. Symptoms of this injury are numbness on the inside of the hand and in the ring and little fingers. Rest, icing and physiotherapy usually prove helpful, however in some cases surgery may be needed.

Orofacial injuries

Wrestling injuries involving the face and ear are common because of the close contact between opponents and non- of use protective gear. Tooth avulsions, nasal fractures, facial contusions and lacerations are also common. These require medical attention and education in safe wrestling practices.

Cervical spine injuries

These are rare, but in some cases have proved fatal and have resulted from a wrestler landing on his head or neck during a takedown. Some spinal injuries may also result in quadriplegia (all four limbs being paralyzed), paraplegia (two limbs being affected), or quadriparesis (weakness in all four limbs). Cervical spine injuries are serious and often require intensive medical treatment and physiotherapy.

Jarred knees

Wrestlers often suffer knee injuries from planting their feet firmly to maintain their balance and gain control. Stress fractures, iliotibial band syndrome and other knee injuries are common. Rest from the activity is the first line of defence followed by icing, compression and elevation. The athlete should also seek physiotherapy for rehabilitation and strengthening so he can return to wrestling.

If you are a wrestler who has suffered any of the above or other injuries, please come in and see us. We can help you.