Martial arts are incredibly fun and fulfilling ways to keep active. However, they are also vigorous, rigorous and demanding sports, and it’s not uncommon for practitioners to suffer from injuries.
Understanding the most common martial arts injuries can help you better protect your body from long-term damage. Additionally, knowing what to look for can also help martial arts enthusiasts make informed decisions about their training and recovery which can also apply if you’re setting up a space to train at home. Here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are the most common injuries seen in martial arts, usually caused by overstretching or overexerting muscles and tendons.
When a person experiences a sprain or strain, they may have swelling, tenderness, bruising, or pain when moving the affected area.
If untreated, these injuries can take months to heal properly, so you should address them quickly.
Fortunately, trigger point injections have several benefits when administered by a professional. These treatments target the painful areas to help provide quick relief with a shorter recovery period.
2. Shoulder Injuries
Many martial arts involve extensive use of the arms and shoulders, which makes them particularly susceptible to injury.
Shoulder injuries are especially common in grappling sports like Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where there is a lot of pressure on the shoulder joint.
Rotator cuff injuries are very common in these sports, as well as shoulder impingement syndrome. This occurs when muscles or tendons become trapped between two bones in the shoulder joint. Both of these issues can cause a great deal of pain and stiffness in the shoulder area.
3. Knee Injuries
Another type of common martial art injury to be aware about is knee strain and trauma.
Knees take a lot of wear and tear in martial arts, especially if you train multiple times a week. Knee pain develops from over-training or improper technique.
Patellar tendonitis (inflammation around the kneecap) is another common issue for those who practice martial arts regularly. It’s important to pay attention to any knee pain you may be experiencing and make sure to rest when needed—otherwise, it could become a much bigger issue down the road.
4. Head and Neck Injuries
Head and neck injuries are among the most serious types of martial arts injuries that someone can experience.
Concussions occur during sparring or competition in an art such as MMA or Muay Thai kickboxing.
Neck sprains or strains can also happen due to blows to the head, so it’s important to always wear protective gear when training or competing in contact sports.
Martial arts can be an excellent way to stay active and build strength—but it’s important to understand how certain moves and techniques may affect your body over time.
