![]() Through therapeutic exercise, it is possible to have your function restored and live a life that is pain-free. Yet physical therapy goes beyond post-surgical care restoring strength, endurance, flexibility and stability to people who have been injured, are in pain, or have experienced an illness. Slowly and functionally re-introducing the movements which were once painful and developing them in a sport-specific mannerīack pain doesn’t have to be the end of a gymnastics career.When you say the words “physical therapy” most people automatically assume you have had surgery. Mobility in other segments of the spine to avoid “hinging” at one section Mastering the hollow and arch positions and endurance in these positions Generally, physical therapy will involve:ĭiscussing your or your child’s pain and specific needsĭeveloping a specific plan for modifying skills, allowing the gymnast to continue practicing in a safe mannerīased on the evaluation, build a strength and mobility program for the back and hips to support the specific demands of gymnastics ![]() These movements are slowly re-introduced when the gymnast has developed enough strength/stability to tolerate these postures again. Initially, rehabilitation will involve avoiding or removing skills that require arching such as font/back walk overs and handsprings until the back has had a chance to heal. This is because arching closes down the joints in the spine which puts extra stress on the injured area. If a gymnast is diagnosed with a “spondy”, or a stress fracture in his or her lower back, arching will often be the most painful position. This list is a brief overview and may include other symptoms and other aggravating factors. Pain with arching backward or extension, like when performing Low back pain with sitting at school, on the floor or lying on your stomach Pain in the lower back or hips that could be sharp or aching Common symptoms of these injuries may include: This is especially true for spondylolisthesis injuries. Because of the fracture, one vertebrae has moved slightly relative to the adjacent segments.įor all of these injuries, it is important to learn to recruit stabilizing muscles to support the spine and promote healing. Spondylolisthesis: This is a stress fracture that has progressed. Spondylolysis: X-Ray shows evidence of a stress fracture in the vertebrae (spine), most commonly at the lower lumbar spine (L5). Mechanical or “non-specific” low back pain: no positive findings (fracture or structural damage) on X-Ray, but the gymnast is experiencing low back pain with their sport and quite possibly even with their daily activities. With the right training and strengthening, it is possible to stay in your sport and go back to performing those activities which used to be painful I learned that:Ħ-pack abs does not equal core strength and stability with dynamic activities such as gymnastics.Ħ-pack abs does not equal having the trunk endurance to support your back through 2-3 hrs of training 5-6days/wk.Īvoiding movements and/or pushing through pain isn’t the answer and can lead to chronic low back pain in the future This was my first introduction into what physical therapy could do. After talking with a PT at my job, I learned that I was constantly hinging at one segment in my lower back, the exact spot where I would get my pain. ![]() As I reached my highschool years, my back pain worsened and I decided to focus on coaching.those who can’t do, teach right? Fast forward several years and I started working as an aide in a physical therapy clinic, I had also started to try and regain some of my gymnastics skills, unfortunately my back pain returned. My back pain started pretty young, I was always flexible in my lower back and just assumed that my back pain was soreness from doing back bends a lot. What it does mean: you should seek a physical therapist who can help determine what is causing your back pain and get you back to your sport pain free and strong. But back pain does not mean you have to quit gymnastics or any sport for that matter and it does not mean your sport is bad for you. ![]() And unfortunately, many of us do quit gymnastics, believing it’s bad for our bodies. If you or your child has experienced back pain I’m sure you have heard people say, “Gymnastics is bad for your back” or “It’s probably time to quit gymnastics” or “Just avoid doing the things that make your back hurt”. Most of us just think it’ll go away or it’s just a hazard of the sport, but what we don’t realize is it can lead to chronic, long term issues. Gymnastics and Low Back Pain.Flipping Painful!Īs a former gymnast and coach, lower back pain is so common it is almost expected in the world of gymnastics. ![]()
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