Game Plan Health by WakeMed: Cheer Injuries

There is more sports action than what you see on the football field or basketball court. There are very serious athletes on the sidelines, too. They are the cheerleaders. Gone are the days of simple pompom routines and chants. These young men and women are elite athletes in their own right; just as competitive as the players on the field.

The spirit of competition has elevated cheerleading to a serious sport; unfortunately, one that sees its share of serious injuries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has found the number of injuries from cheerleading accidents has quadrupled in the past 25 years. Cheerleading accounts for 65 percent of all female catastrophic injuries in high school and college. The vast majority of these injuries were found to result from stunts. Pyramids, incorrect dismounts, holds, basket catches, and throws can be extremely tough on the body, and falls on the unforgiving surface of the gymnasium floor can be devastating.

Cheerleaders run the risk of sustaining fractures, strains and sprains from a single fall. Repeated wear and tear on joints due to repetitive weight-bearing can lead to overuse injuries and even arthritis. Common injuries include wrist, ankle and knee sprains, and acute fractures of the extremities. More severe injuries like spondylolisthesis of the spine and joint instability of the extremities are also seen in cheerleading athletes. My colleagues and I see back, neck, knee, wrist, hand and ankle injuries in cheerleaders who seek our services, and we are committed to maintaining healthy athletes.

Because modern, competitive cheerleading is more about gymnastics and less about low-impact routines, coaches and trainers are seeking more information about how to help their athletes avoid injuries and make successful comebacks.  Here are some suggestions to keep athletes safe.

Preventive Measures

Stretching – Gymnasts spend a lot of time stretching and warming up before they begin a workout or competition. Cheerleaders should do the same.
Support – Wrist supports, ankle wraps, knee braces and shoes that offer ankle support should be worn by cheerleaders.
Practice facilities – Cheerleaders should train in a gymnastics practice setting with the appropriate safety devises, mats and padding.
Spotters – They should be properly trained in how to support the unique needs of a cheerleader/gymnast.
Proper training – Training should include activities to improve muscle strength and flexibility. Agility training and plyometrics are also helpful.
Slow progress – Don’t think you’re going to the top of the pyramid on your first day. Work up to the more difficult stunts very slowly.

Return to Play

Keep your appointments – Orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists understand sports injuries and can determine a cheerleader’s healing progress. Keep your doctor’s appointments and follow the doctor’s orders.
Physical therapy – Sports injuries often require a great deal of physical therapy, both with a therapist and at home. Follow your therapist’s instructions. Do not do more or less of an exercise unless your therapist instructs you to do so.
Slow progress – Yes, it can be very frustrating, but returning to play after any sports injury is a very slow process. Like football players and other athletes involved in contact sports, cheerleaders are at risk for re-injury. Re-injury can mean more than a setback. It can be the end of your career and may cause lifelong complications.
The psychological side – Is a cheerleader emotionally ready to return to cheering? Did the injury take a toll on his or her self-confidence? A cheerleader’s emotional state is another reason slow progress is so important.
Sports medicine specialists and orthopaedic surgeons are committed to creating and maintaining healthy athletes. We are here for support and questions. Have a healthy sports season!