Wrestling is an intense and demanding sport that can often result in injuries such as strains, sprains, and other injuries. As with any sport, using proper safety gear and practicing good techniques can help reduce the risk of injuries during wrestling.  

At Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation, we have extensive experience  treating sports-related injuries  and can help you heal and recover from a wrestling Injury. Keep reading to learn more about the most common wrestling injuries and how to best avoid them.  

Most Common Wrestling Injuries   

While more serious wrestling injuries can occur, the most common wrestling injuries are not serious and are like injuries that occur in other sports including: 

• Bruises and Contusions 
• Sprains and Strains 
• Overtraining Syndrome 

• Dehydration 
• Muscle Soreness 

Bruises and Contusions  

Take-downs, sparring, and hard landings can all result in bruises and contusions.  

Sprains and Strains  

Two sprains that often occur in wrestling include: 

• Ankle sprains: These sprains occur when there is Stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the ankle joint.  
• Wrist sprains: falling or landing hard on the hands is common for wrestlers.  

To prevent strains and sprains, wrestlers should stretch their ankles before a match to promote flexibility within the ligaments.  

Overtraining Syndrome  

Overtraining syndrome occurs in athletes who train beyond their body’s ability to heal and recover. 

Dehydration  

Remember: your body needs  proper hydration   at all times.  Dehydration is a serious problem that many wrestlers deal with when trying to “make weight” for a match.  

Muscle Soreness  

Muscle soreness from a tough workout or competition usually manifests within 12-48 hours and rest is often all that is needed to recover.  

Ready to get back to the mat? Our physical therapist and  medical personal traine r  at Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation can help you rebuild and regain strength so you can get back to wrestling! Call  (813) 422-5671   today!    

Serious Wrestling Injuries   

Wrestlers can sustain serious injuries to the shoulder, elbow, knee, and neck.  

Shoulder Injuries   

Most shoulder injuries that wrestlers are subject to are caused by leverage and twisting during a competition. Common shoulder injuries include: 

• Rotator cuff Injury 
• Shoulder separation 
• Shoulder dislocation 

Impact with the mat, restrictive holds, and twists of the arms and torso can cause the shoulder to become dislocated during wrestling. Connective tendons and ligaments can also be damaged or torn.  

To prevent shoulder injuries from occurring, flexibility, Stretching, and strength training are necessary.  

Knee Injuries  

Injury to the ligaments of the knee is common in wrestlers. Two of the most common ligament injuries are ACL tears and MCL tears.  

To prevent Injury to the knee ligaments, it is recommended that wrestlers perform targeted strength-training exercises to increase the strength of the ligaments and other connective tissue in the knees. Stretching before and after wrestling is also advised to loosen tight ligaments.  

Prepatellar Bursitis of the Patella  

Trauma, wear, and overuse can cause the bursa sac in the kneecap (the front of the patella) to swell and is known as prepatellar bursitis. The stress of wrestling and traumatic impact on the knees can make wrestlers especially prone to this form of bursitis which causes symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling.  

To prevent the onset of prepatellar bursitis, knee pads are recommended to help absorb impact to the front of the patella. If swelling of the kneecap has already begun, R.I.C.E (rest, icing, compression, elevation) and anti-inflammatory medication are recommended.  

Elbow Dislocation  

During wrestling maneuvers, elbows come under tremendous strain and dislocations often occur during takedowns as a wrestler braces for a fall.  

Neck Injury  

The cervical vertebrae of the neck are often forced into vulnerable positions during wrestling and can result in neck injuries including: 

• Neck strain 
• Whiplash 
• Cervical fractures  

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Other Common Wrestling Injuries  

While these injuries may not be as common as the above injuries, many wrestlers are likely to encounter the following injuries at one time or another: 

• Achilles tendinitis 
• Achilles tendon rupture 
• Ankle sprains 
• Clavicle fracture 
• Concussion 
• Finger fractures 
• Groin pulls 
• Hamstring strain or tear 
• Iliotibial band syndrome 
• Meniscus tears 
• Strained calf muscle 
• Wrist sprains 
• Wrist tendinitis 

Reducing Wrestling Injuries  

Because wrestling requires such a high degree of flexibility, strength, and proper technique, athletes need to follow basic safety precautions and have proper coaching or instruction.  

To enhance safety when wrestling: 

• Train with a qualified coach who specializes in proper wrestling techniques and safety.  
• Improve joint flexibility 
• Avoid dangerous holds or slamming moves.  
• Avoid dramatic weight loss or weight cutting strategies 
• Maintain proper nutrition throughout the season 

• Wear appropriate safety gear such as headgear and mouthguards 

Recover and Heal from Injury   

If you are suffering from any of the above wrestling injuries,  contact our team  at Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation for the most effective recovery available. Our specialists are trained in sports physical therapy, muscle activation techniques, and medical exercise training to help you heal and recover from an Injury.  

Recover and come back stronger with Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation in Tampa, FL! We work with local and national athletes to rehab and activate their muscles to increase sports performance. Call us for a consultation today—  (813) 422-5671 .