Cheerleading is not the frilly sport of past generations. What used to be pom-poms and ponytails is now a much more aggressive and competitive sport. In the 1970s, women’s sports were forever changed for the better with the passing of Title IX, a law requiring gender equality for boys and girls in every educational program receiving federal funding. Since then, the Title IX Web site says women’s participation in sports is nearly five times what it was.
gymnastics performed on unprotected surfaces all
contribute to this increased risk."
Paralleling the increased participation of women in sports is the increased rate of their injuries. “Cheerleaders are performing higher pyramids, more dangerous gymnastics, and more bucket throws than ever before, and those things make orthopedic surgeons nervous,” says James Harris, MD, an orthopedic surgeon for Azalea Orthopedics. “Falls from these types of stunts, especially on unprotected surfaces, can cause serious injuries to the head and neck. And athletes are generally unsuspecting, which increases severity.”
In 2005, the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Catastrophic Injury Insurance Program found that 25 percent of the money spent on claims for student-athletes since 1998 resulted from cheerleading. That made it second only to football.
Source: nytimes.com
Dr. Harris sees mostly ankle sprains and knee injuries with cheerleaders because of the challenging gymnastics that have been incorporated into routines. In recent years, the risks have increased with athleticism in cheerleading. This physical demand has unfortunately made instances of catastrophic injury, such as permanent brain or spinal cord disability, more likely. Proper technique, adult supervision, and risk evaluation are recommended for avoiding injury in
this sport.
It’s important for parents to understand that girls are at higher risk than boys to suffer an ACL injury. One of the theories why is that ligaments are more lax during the menstrual cycle. Physicians equate it to the strong impact hormones have on ligaments.
The physical demand on cheerleaders is more intense than ever before. Above all, parents can help by ensuring these risks are not underestimated by participants, coaches, or the school districts in which they operate.
STAY HEALTHY
- Take care of protective equipment and gear, including pads, footwear, and uniforms, to ensure proper function and maximum support.
- Change up sports throughout the year rather than playing one year round to give muscles and joints a break.
- Get regular physicals to make sure the body is functioning properly and optimally.