Gymnastics

In addition to equipment gymnastics, recreational gymnastics also has other forms, such as rhythmic gymnastics, jazz gymnastics and aerobics. In rhythmic gymnastics physical exercise is done to music, whereby use can be made of hand-held equipment such as balls, hoops and clubs.

In the Netherlands five disciplines of gymnastics are practised competitively at international level:

•    equipment gymnastics for women and men
•    trampolining
•    rhythmic sports gymnastics
•    sports aerobics
•    acrogymnastics

Experience shows that when the level at which gymnastics is practised is higher, relatively more overload injuries occur and fewer acute injuries. Here are a few injuries that can occur specifically in gymnastics and equipment gymnastics:

Back
Back injuries in gymnastics and equipment gymnastics are mostly the result of overloading through the multiple repetition of movements whereby the back is rendered 'hollow', or are caused by a rapid succession of movements whereby the back is rendered by turns hollow and round. With these back movements overload in particular occurs on the ligament assembly and the muscle corset around the vertebral column. To protect against repeated vertebral column injury a back brace can offer a way out.

Ankle
The ankle is the joint that most often gets injured in gymnastics and equipment gymnastics. Ankle sprains (total or partial tearing of the outer ankle ligaments) occur most frequently. In equipment gymnastics this is mostly the result of an incorrect landing. In particular with landings when the outer edge of the foot directly hits the edge of the landing mat or falls between two landing mats, serious ankle sprains may result. In order to support or protect the ankle a Push Sports brace can be a good solution.

Wrist
Wrist injuries can be divided up into acute and chronic injuries. Acute wrist injuries are often a result of a fall on the outstretched arm. Breaking of the radius or of one of the carpus bones can be the result. The healing process for these breaks is generally slow as a result of less good blood circulation in the vicinity.
Chronic wrist complaints in equipment gymnastics are mostly the result of repeated so-called shock syndrome, which acts on the wrists on receiving the bodyweight on the hands and with support on and moving away of the hands. In the first instance, overload injuries are hereby caused to in particular the tendons and the capsule around the wrist joint.

In the event of wrist complaints, depending on the nature and location of the wrist injury and the (over)stretching that is caused in the elbows, in individual cases it is advised to place the hands somewhat more to the inside or further to the outside. In addition to correct placement of the hands, it is important to avoid overstretching of the wrists during support moments.
The stabilising of the wrists to avoid overstretching calls for well trained forearm muscles. The wearing of a Push Sports Wrist Brace or Push Sports Wrist Support can help to stabilise the wrist, whereby the damaged tissue gets a chance to repair itself. The brace can also be worn in addition to when practising gymnastics, directly after occurrence of the injury.