Common Injuries Seen in Competitive Wrestling

Injuries in Wrestling: Wrestling, being a physically demanding sport, exposes athletes to various injuries. Here are some common wrestling injuries:

1. Concussions: These may occur during takedowns, resulting in mild traumatic brain injuries. Learning how to fall is critical when getting started with wrestling.

2. Cauliflower Ear (Auricular Hematoma): Severe bruising of the outer ear from repetitive contact causes this disfiguring injury.

3. Knee Injuries: Wrestlers are prone to ligament sprains, meniscus tears, and prepatellar bursitis due to the strain on the knee joint.

4. Arm and Shoulder Injuries: Extreme positions during wrestling make upper arms and shoulders susceptible to injuries like rotator cuff strains, shoulder joint separations, partial dislocations, and elbow fractures.

5. Skin Infections: Skin-to-skin contact increases the risk of infections like herpes gladiatorum, ringworm, and impetigo.

Preventing Common Wrestling Injuries: To reduce the risk of injuries in wrestling, you may want to consider the following preventive measures:

1. Wear Protective Gear: Headgear and mouthguards can prevent head, ear, tongue, and tooth injuries. Although headgear is not a replacement for improper form. Learning how to fall is crucial when learning wrestling techniques and during matches.

2. Use Padding and Braces: Properly fitted knee, ankle, and elbow gear helps absorb shock and minimizes repetitive joint impact injuries.

3. Strength Training: Cardio and strength training before and during the wrestling season enhances overall fitness, preventing knee problems and other injuries. Specifically strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, rotator cuff, cervical (neck) and low back extensors. Mobility in the hips is also crucial to be able to use the power in the legs and low back effectively.

4. Maintain Proper Nutrition: Managing your weight is very important with wrestling. Wrestlers should avoid crash diets, stay hydrated, and manage nutrition safely to prevent dehydration or illnesses.

5. Practice Good Hygiene: Showering before and after practice, frequent hand washing, and avoiding sharing personal items reduce the risk of infections.

6. Sanitize Equipment: Regularly cleaning mats and equipment decreases the chances of acquiring or spreading common skin infections.

Every athlete is different and so the methods to keep them safe depend on a multitude of factors, such as their specific body type, strength ratios, mobility and flexibility, previous injuries and other sports in which they participate.

Like any sport or activity, wrestling also has its risks. Although, the benefits to living an active lifestyle and participating in sport far outweigh the potential injuries. This blog is to help guide coaches and therapists for what to look out for. Here at Rehab Academy we will always support sport endeavours no matter your age, experience or current physical abilities. There is always a place to start to get you to your goals. Make sure to speak with an expert to gain specific guidance and advice. We are here to help you stay active and keep doing what you love to the best of your abilities.

Otero JE, Graves CM, Bollier MJ. Injuries in Collegiate Wrestlers at an Elite Division I NCAA Wrestling Program: An Epidemiological Study. Iowa Orthop J. 2017;37:65-70. PMID: 28852337; PMCID: PMC5508281.