How to Rehabilitate Common Cheerleading Injuries

Cheerleading, while conceived as a spirit squad to encourage other sporting teams, has come into its own in the world of competitive sports. Cheerleading is just as hard on the body as some contact sports. The injuries related to cheerleading are common to those of gymnasts and dancers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Know the common cheerleading injuries. These include muscle pulls and tears, whiplash, shoulder injuries, back injuries, elbow injuries, wrist sprains and strains, knee tears, running injuries, ankle sprains and fractures, and foot fractures. These can range from minor to extensive and call for surgery and discontinuation of involvement in the sport.
2. Act immediately. If you are experiencing any pain, numbness, discoloration, tingling, loss of use or other symptom in any of the areas mentioned above, you need to stop all activity and see a licensed health care professional immediately. The faster your diagnosis and treatment begins, the more likely you are to have a fast and complete recovery.
3. Ice the affected area to relieve not only pain, but swelling of the joint or muscle. If there is a tear or pull in the muscle, allow ample time for it to mend itself before stretching it again. Slowly work and move the area to allow for gradual flexibility and use of the affected muscle or joint. Plenty of time and patience are the keys to rehabilitation of a cheerleading injury.
4. Work with a physical therapist or sports medicine doctor who specializes in these types of injuries. You can find one of these doctors by looking in your local area, they are also called Orthopedic doctors, or searching on Health Grades for one near you. These medical professionals will be able to prescribe the right course of therapy and rehabilitation for your injury.
5. Prevent future injury. This can be done by warming up or stretching properly before practice and competitions. Secure an injured or previously injured area with a bandage or brace to prevent further injury. Stay well hydrated to add lubrication to your joints and exercise often to keep up flexibility.