Prevent cheerleading injuries in your child
Cheerleading began when a University of Minnesota football fan stood in his seat and led the crowd in a verse in support of their team. From that humble beginning has blossomed a competitive athletic activity that includes nearly a million participants.
During a cheerleading routine that involved performing a cartwheel on wet grass, 11-year-old Tiffany Young fractured her arm in three places and dislocated her elbow. That's how she came to meet
Suken A. Shah, MD, a
Virtua/duPont pediatric orthopaedic surgeon and director of the division of sports medicine at Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, in Wilmington, Delaware.
What are the common injuries?
How to avoid injury
What are the common injuries?
"Injuries sustained from cheerleading have become more common, especially since children are participating in this gymnastic sport at a younger age and the routines have become more sophisticated," says Dr. Shah. The majority of cheerleading injuries are related to overuse of ligaments or muscles, which leads to ankle or wrist sprains and pain in the knee, back or shoulder.
These types of chronic overuse injuries are often treated with rest, immobilization, splints or braces, and anti-inflammatory medications. Reconditioning and physical rehabilitation are also part of the process. "The goal," says Dr. Shah, "is to start these young athletes on a prevention program that teaches proper conditioning techniques."
Other factors that may contribute to cheerleading injuries include inexperience, inadequate conditioning and stretching, poor supervision, difficult stunts, uncushioned playing surfaces, poor nutrition and poor shoes.
Injuries like Tiffany's are not common, but they do occur and often result from a fall. They always require expert, emergency care. For Tiffany, treatment involved surgery to repair the fractures with metal pins. It also meant wearing a full arm cast for two weeks and a rigorous course of physical therapy thereafter.
How to avoid injury
To avoid injuries, Dr. Shah recommends that parents keep tabs on how many sports their child is playing and how many practice hours are involved. "Being involved in too many sports with extensive practice hours does not allow appropriate time for recuperation or conditioning," he says. He also stresses the importance of open communication and understanding. "Everyone involved should always be clear on what your child is being asked to do," advises Dr. Shah. "Safety precautions are important and in many cases can reduce the severity and frequency of injuries — or prevent them altogether."
While Tiffany still can't quite extend her arm fully, she is expected to make a full recovery with the help of physical therapy and an extension splint on her arm. She plans to cheer again in the fall thanks to Dr. Shah. She says: "I plan to be more careful and to stretch before every practice."
While injuries and accidents are bound to happen, there are precautions individuals can take to minimize the risk of injuries.
- Get medically cleared by a physician before beginning a sport.
- Adhere to local and state rules for the sport.
- Encourage and learn proper stretching techniques.
- Promote safe cheerleading techniques for routines such as tumbling runs, partner stunts and pyramid formations. Proper spotting techniques are also essential.
- Practice on a cushioned surface such as a mat or pad.
- Wear proper sports gear, loose clothing and jewelry can get caught on equipment.
- Choose shoes that fit properly, feel comfortable and provide stability and cushioning.
- Recognize signs for possible eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
- Don't participate when tired and be sure that the coach relieves players before they become exhausted.
- Identify and treat injuries early. Get evaluated promptly.
- Review emergency procedures prior to any practice and performance. Be sure that coaches and supervisors know first aid and that emergency transportation is available.