Champion Sports Training - Cheerleading Injuries

As the sport of cheerleading has become more competitive, the number of injuries has grown. The most prevalent injuries are: ankle sprains, wrist sprains/fractures, knee ligament sprains and tears, shoulder dislocations, shoulder tendonitis, patellar tendonitis and patellofemoral pain (pain under/around the knee cap), and low back pain. Less prevalent are spine injuries, and head injuries.

1. Ankle sprains- when an ankle injury occurs it are important to have the injury assessed by a sports medicine professional or physician to determine the severity. As the injury heals it is important to restore the normal range of motion and strength of the ankle along with the proprioception (ability to tell where your body is in space). The proprioceptors are often injured along with the ligament with severe sprains. If these receptors are not retrained, recurrent ankle injuries often occur.

2. Ankle Fractures- fractures in this region are generally traumatic in nature. Generally resulting from a fall the bones of the ankle may exhibit a bony deformity or may have a hairline crack. Most of the time there will be significant swelling, bruising and most of the time the athlete will not want to put weight on their leg.

1. Sprain- can be due to overuse or may be due to an acute injury such as a fall. Generally ache over the wrist. Pain with range of motion.

2. Fracture- may or may not have a visible deformity of the bone. Often involves the distal radius (the forearm bone that is on the same side as the thumb). Important to get this x rayed immediately if a fracture is suspected.

3. Tendonitis- can be common in bases. Pain with resisted movements and with stunting. Generally some rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and strengthening exercises will alleviate the symptoms.

1. Tendonitis- most common injury at the elbow. The athlete will exhibit tenderness on the inside or the outside of the elbow with palpation. The athlete will have pain with resisted movements.

2. Loose bodies, fractures, dislocations are less common injuries. All these injuries require immediate medical attention.

1. Tendonitis- pain often on the outside aspect of the shoulder which occurs generally with bases when they are performing stunts. May have a painful arc of movement in which it fills like their shoulder is catching or pinching. This occurs when some of the tendons get compressed.

2. Instability- general aching around and over the shoulder. This occurs in when the ligaments and supporting structures around the shoulder are not providing the natural intrinsic support that is needed to provide the activity being performed. The result is that the ball of the ball and socket moves too much in the socket and could dislocate or come out of the socket. Often this occurs in the cheerleader that is extremely flexible. A good strengthening program is needed to build the strength and endurance in the rotator cuff musculature.

1. Patellar tendonitis- pain right below the knee cap that is exacerbated with jumping activities. Often can be alleviated by taking some time off jumping (initially 1-2 weeks), anti-inflammatory meds, and strengthening exercises.

2. Meniscus tear- the “cushion cartilage of the knee” may tear due to trauma or wear and tear. Generally the athlete has pain or discomfort with full squatting or jumping and landing on the sides of the knee. They may describe a catch in the knee.

3. ACL Tear- generally traumatic event with the description of a “pop” or “tearing sensation”, often swells quickly and the leg (hamstring) spasms. Usually always requires surgery and the athlete will be out 3-12 months.

4. Sprain- traumatic event can be from twisting or landing wrong. Usually recovers well with rehab and relative rest from 2-6 weeks.

1. Often this is due to overuse due to excessive stunting, tumbling or can be due to a fall. With cheerleading it is critical to have good abdominal and spinal strength. Many of the cheerleaders with chronic low back pain can get better with an aggressive strengthening program and with relative rest and anti-inflammatory medication.

This is a brief outline of common cheerleading injuries. This is not all injuries that are seen with this sport however, it is many of the most common things that are seen. It is also important that any injury be assessed by a medical professional in your area. Remember many of these injuries may be prevented with proper conditioning programs! For more information feel free to contact Robb Seahorn PT CSCS at 865-454-2976 or contact@championsportstraining.com.