How to Treat the Harmful Effects of Gymnastics

Gymnastics is one of the most demanding sports. Since it is requires an intense training beginning in the formative years, there are negative consequences to gymnasts’ bodies especially to children still developing their body features. In the long run, the sport can damage the human body as it ages unless treated very well.

Doing a simple yoga routine on a yoga chair or sitting on a comfortable office chair for the back can help you lessen the harms and relieve the body pain caused by gymnastics. However, there are proper procedures and treatments made specifically for each of the dangerous effect that gymnasts should know.

Osteoarthritis

Gymnasts are at high risk of osteoarthritis which is sometimes called as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, the most common chronic condition of the joints according to the Arthritis Foundation. This form of arthritis commonly occurs in the lower back and neck, knees, hips, small joints of fingers, and bases of your thumb and big toes. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage is breaking down which causes painful effects to the joint. As it worsens, bones may break down and develop spurs. Little pieces of bone or cartilage may float off near the joint. Finally, the cartilage withers and bone rubs against bone damaging the joints further, causing more pain.

You may treat osteoarthritis through weight management, joint replacement surgery, medications, and exercise. You can use physical therapies such as heat and cold packs, flexibility exercises, walkers, canes and other assistive devices. Alternative therapies like nutritional supplements, acupuncture or acupressure, water therapy, and massage also helps.

Osteoporosis

This harmful effect causes the weak and brittle human bones. Related injuries occur most commonly in the spine, wrist or hip of the human body. It happens when a new bone won’t keep up with the removed old bone. Back pain, height loss, slouched posture, and a bone fracture are signs that you may have osteoporosis.

To help prevent bone loss and brittle or weak bones, proper medications, hormone-related therapy, exercise and body weight management are crucial treatments. Alternative medicine for osteoporosis is soy protein intake which would lessen the risks of bone fracture.

The next time you join gymnastics class, remember these harmful effects to your body and how to prevent and treat them effectively. Follow the treatment for procedures to prevent further harm.