Wrestling
Wrestling
Physiology of wrestling
Wrestling is a highly anaerobic sport requiring maximal power and strength for explosive attacks during each match; matches can last up to ten minutes (with overtime periods). Further, because practices may require up to two hours of anaerobic efforts, wrestling has a significant aerobic component as well. Obviously, the development of these metabolic systems play a key role in the wrestler’s success.
Common wrestling injuries
Injury rates for wrestling remain relatively high when compared to other NCAA sports. During the 2003-2004 academic year, per 1000 athlete exposures, 5.7 injuries during practice and 25.8 injuries during matches occurred. Both ranked second behind spring football practice and football games.
High school wrestling holds a comparable injury rate of 6.0 injuries per 1,000 exposures. At both the collegiate and high school levels most injuries typically occur in the neutral position during takedown-type activities. In the neutral position, the defensive wrestler (not initiating takedown) has been shown to be more frequently injured. Common injury sites include the knee, face, shoulder, ankle, and neck. The most prevalent types of injuries are sprains, strains, cartilage tears, and contusions. Most high school wrestling injuries occur as a result of direct forces and twisting forces.
Shoulder Injuries
In many instances, wrestling requires an extended period of upper extremity weight bearing which places a great demand on the muscles and joints of the shoulder. This distinguishes wrestling from most other sports. Rotator cuff strains account for 62% of all shoulder injures followed by AC joint sprains (19%) and shoulder subluxation and dislocation (13%).12
A study examining high school wrestling injuries noted wrestlers with general ligamentous laxity suffered fewer shoulder injuries than the other wrestlers.12 Therefore, shoulder flexibility should be an essential component of injury prevention programs. In addition to flexibility, rotator cuff strength, endurance, shoulder stability, and proper muscle balance should be addressed.
Neck Injuries
Wrestling is also unique because the head and neck may bear weight for periods of time. This requires an increased demand on stabilizing muscles of the neck to maintain stability of the cervical spine. Muscle imbalance and muscle weakness are thought to be a risk factor for neck injuries.55
Knee and Ankle Injuries
Knee injuries remain the most common injury in wrestling1, 13 and usually occur during the takedown or bottom positions.1, 12-15 Common knee injuries include damage to collateral ligaments (30-52%), meniscus (15-24%), patella (6%), and the ACL (2-5%).1, 13
In wrestling, the ankle is the most frequent site for joint sprains (38%).12 Classic etiology is most often an inversion ankle sprain or forced hyper-plantarflexion with anterior and lateal ankle structures typically injured. Previous history of ankle sprain is the number one risk factor for subsequent ankle sprains.16-20 Other risk factors include decreased cardiorespiratory endurance and balance.23 Therefore, injury prevention programs to prevent future ankle injuries should include all individuals with a previous history of ankle sprain.
Teams we’ve worked with
- We have worked with wrestlers from every high school team in the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metro Area