Staying Safe – On the Sidelines and On the Mat
Cheerleading is a highly intensive full-contact sport that comes with the risk of sustaining several different injuries. In fact, as stated by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research (NCCSIR), cheerleading accounts for 65.2% of all high school female sports injuries and 70.5% of all collegiate female sports injuries.
While these numbers are certainly staggering, there are preventative measures that cheerleaders can take to lower their risk of sustaining serious injuries during practice, sideline cheer events, or competition. In the event that an injury does occur, our staff of medical professionals are highly experienced in sports injury treatment and helping athletes return to their beloved sport.
For more information on treating cheerleading injuries and scheduling appointments through Advance ER, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our two locations below:
- Advance ER Park Cities: 214-494-8222
- Advance ER Galleria: 214-247-7909
Common Cheerleading Injuries
Since cheerleading relies on full body control and contact with other athletes, there are certainly heightened risks of sustaining any sort of musculoskeletal injury. Some of the most common cheerleading injuries include:
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Broken bones
- Sprains
- Strains
- Ligament tears
- Concussions and other head injuries
It can sometimes be difficult to determine when to go to the emergency room for a sports injury, but if you are noticing an unbearable amount of pain or discomfort (or feelings of lightheadedness, confusion, or nausea), contact our medical team immediately. As a good rule of thumb, when in doubt, get checked out – untreated injuries can worsen with time and could keep you off the mat for longer.
Cheerleading Injury Prevention
Certain organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics have outlined specific safety rules and regulations for both athletes and coaches. Abiding to these rules ensures that athletes have the best chances of preventing injury while participating in their sport.
In addition to following best safety practices, some more ways athletes can prevent cheerleading injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Warming up and stretching before practice, games, and competition
- Learning proper technique from a physical trainer or other sport specialist
- Always having spotters when trying a new skill
- Practicing skills on all surfaces where stunting/tumbling will be done beforehand
- Never trying new skills without coach supervision
USA Cheer also has several safety resources that can benefit athletes, coaches, and parents alike. In fact, they even have an iCheerSafe pledge that both athletes and coaches can sign to pledge their commitment to practicing safe cheerleading techniques!
Contact Advance ER for Comprehensive Sports Injury Treatment
Cheerleading stunts and tumbling passes are becoming increasingly more complex, therefore increasing the risk of injury among athletes. Even when safety precautions are followed flawlessly, it is still possible for unexpected injuries to occur. If you or a loved one sustains a cheerleading injury, don’t hesitate to contact Advance ER for treatment.
Give us a call at either 214-494-8222 (Park Cities) or 214-247-7909 (Galleria) to schedule an appointment and discover how we can help you get back on the mat ASAP.
