What Is the Most Common Injury in High School Wrestling?

In high school wrestling, athletes engage in intense physical contact and exertion, which can lead to various injuries. While there are several common injuries in this sport, one stands out as the most prevalent – shoulder injuries.

Why are Shoulder Injuries Common in High School Wrestling?

High school wrestlers often experience shoulder injuries due to the nature of the sport. Wrestling involves repetitive motions that put stress on the shoulders, such as throwing opponents and grappling for control.

Additionally, wrestlers frequently land on their shoulders during takedowns or when attempting to escape from a pin. These factors make the shoulders vulnerable to injury.

The Most Common Types of Shoulder Injuries

Let’s explore some of the most common shoulder injuries seen in high school wrestling:

• Shoulder Dislocation:

  A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the shoulder socket. This injury can happen when a wrestler forcefully extends their arm or falls onto an outstretched hand, causing the humerus to dislocate from its normal position. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.

• Rotator Cuff Tears:

  The rotator cuff consists of a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Wrestlers can experience tears or strains in these muscles due to repetitive motions or sudden forceful movements.

  Symptoms include pain, weakness, and difficulty raising or rotating the arm.

• Labral Tears:

  The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket and provides stability to the joint. Labral tears can occur from repetitive overhead motions or trauma to the shoulder, such as a fall or sudden impact. Symptoms include shoulder pain, clicking or popping sensations, and a feeling of instability.

• Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Sprains:

  The AC joint is located at the top of the shoulder, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. Wrestlers can sustain sprains to this joint when they fall onto an outstretched arm or receive a direct blow to the shoulder. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness over the AC joint.

Prevention and Management

While injuries are an inherent risk in high school wrestling, there are steps athletes can take to minimize their occurrence:

• Proper Conditioning: Maintaining good overall fitness and strength helps support the shoulders and reduces the risk of injury.
• Technique Training: Learning proper wrestling techniques and executing them with precision can decrease excessive strain on the shoulders.
• Warm-up and Stretching: Performing dynamic warm-up exercises and stretching before practice or matches helps prepare the muscles for activity.
• Protective Gear: Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as shoulder braces or supportive tape, can provide additional stability to the shoulders.
• Rest and Recovery: Allowing sufficient time for rest and recovery between practices, matches, and injuries is crucial for preventing overuse injuries.

If a wrestler does sustain a shoulder injury, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, or, in severe cases, surgery. Rehabilitation exercises and a gradual return to wrestling activities are typically recommended.

By understanding the common shoulder injuries in high school wrestling and taking appropriate preventive measures, athletes can reduce the risk of these injuries and enjoy a safer and more successful wrestling experience.