Cheerleaders risk injury – just like the athletes they support

ORA Orthopedic’s Dr. Suleman Hussain explains how the athletes on the sidelines – the ones performing cheers and stunts to keep the crowds in the game – are often as at risk of sports performance injuries as the players on the court or field.

The injuries suffered by cheerleaders are serious, sports-related injuries requiring the experience and knowledge of a sports medicine specialist like Dr. Hussain.

Gymnastic stunts can be risky – even if they’re all in fun

“It’s easy to think that only contact sports such as football and basketball cause serious injuries, and they do, but in many ways, gymnastic performers exhibit difficult skills and intense training that place significant demands on a young athlete’s body.

“Think about the tremendous variety of movements a cheerleader or dance squad member performs in order achieve the spectacular stunts we see at games.  These elite athletes are prone to injuries, especially in the shoulder, as their range of motion causes tissues to tear and stretch.”

Dr. Hussain says he also often treats bruising, elbow, wrist factures and concussions after hard landings.  “These are high-risk contact sports, and we take them seriously.

“Many dedicated young men and women practice hours a day both for school performances and after-school clubs, and in doing so, can create instability in their shoulders from repetition.  I see a lot of rotator cuff, torn labrums and cartilage injuries as well as foot and ankle injuries.”

Sports Medicine Physician, Dr. Suleman Hussain, ORA Orthopedics, is the team physician for Davenport West High School and the Quad City River Bandits.

When is it time to seek treatment?

“When the discomfort becomes limiting or affects day-to-day activities, it may be time to seek treatment,” advises Dr. Hussain. “Most athletes are in tune with their bodies, and if they are noticing a loss of motion or strength, or an inability to perform at a high level, it’s time to see a physician.”

Dr. Hussain also advises that to help prevent injuries, athletes engage in strength training, take important rest days, and mix up the workouts to prevent repetitive tears and fractures.

Log on for more information on ORA’s  Sports Medicine Center of Excellence or to make an appointment with a sports medicine physician.

The injuries suffered by cheerleaders are serious, sports-related injuries requiring the experience and knowledge of a sports medicine specialist like Dr. Hussain.

Twisting. Throwing. Catching. Kicking. Flipping. “It’s serious and high-risk athleticism,” says Sports Medicine Surgeon, Dr. Suleman Hussain, ORA Orthopedics.

Gymnastic stunts can be risky – even if they’re all in fun

“It’s easy to think that only contact sports such as football and basketball cause serious injuries, and they do, but in many ways, gymnastic performers exhibit difficult skills and intense training that place significant demands on a young athlete’s body.

“Think about the tremendous variety of movements a cheerleader or dance squad member performs in order achieve the spectacular stunts we see at games.  These elite athletes are prone to injuries, especially in the shoulder, as their range of motion causes tissues to tear and stretch.”

Dr. Hussain says he also often treats bruising, elbow, wrist factures and concussions after hard landings.  “These are high-risk contact sports, and we take them seriously.

“Many dedicated young men and women practice hours a day both for school performances and after-school clubs, and in doing so, can create instability in their shoulders from repetition.  I see a lot of rotator cuff, torn labrums and cartilage injuries as well as foot and ankle injuries.”

Sports Medicine Physician, Dr. Suleman Hussain, ORA Orthopedics, is the team physician for Davenport West High School and the Quad City River Bandits.

While bumps, bruises and twists are common, how does an athlete or his or her family know the difference between pain and injury?

When is it time to seek treatment?

“When the discomfort becomes limiting or affects day-to-day activities, it may be time to seek treatment,” advises Dr. Hussain. “Most athletes are in tune with their bodies, and if they are noticing a loss of motion or strength, or an inability to perform at a high level, it’s time to see a physician.”

Dr. Hussain also advises that to help prevent injuries, athletes engage in strength training, take important rest days, and mix up the workouts to prevent repetitive tears and fractures.

Log on for more information on ORA’s  Sports Medicine Center of Excellence or to make an appointment with a sports medicine physician.