Gymnastics Medicine: A New Subspecialty in Sports Medicine

Abstract

Despite popularity of gymnastics, there is no independent medical organization/subspecialty group to investigate injuries and prevention, and to make the sport safer for all. Thus, a new sports medicine subspecialty is proposed: Gymnastics Medicine. Gymnastics injury rates are higher compared to other sports. Common injuries occurring in gymnastics include gymnast wrist, grip lock, osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow, knee, and ankle, shoulder overuse injuries, mechanical low back pain, spondylolysis, pelvic apophysitis, anterior cruciate ligament tears, ankle instability/ankle sprains, symptomatic accessory navicular, os trigonum/posterior ankle impingement, and calcaneal apophysitis. Gymnastics Medicine will help medical clinicians understand injury patterns, return to play protocols, nutritional needs, and the mental aspects of gymnastics. Gymnastics Medicine is a needed subspecialty. There are many medical subspecialties involved with the care of gymnasts who would benefit from a concentrated field, and this field allows those clinicians to collaborate, enhance research, and most importantly, improve the safety and health of athletes in gymnastics.