Gymnastics. Water. Strength. Suspense. Guts. Glory. Few other sports combine these elements like diving does. And while many divers go their whole career without a scratch, injuries can and do happen. The most obvious: smacking the board and smacking the water. However, in many cases, repetitive motion injuries are the causes behind some more severe injuries that can keep these athletes grounded.
Common Diving Injuries
Let’s meet today’s ATI Injury Analyst. Katie Varnado, an athletic trainer from the ATI Sports Medicine department, knows about diving injuries first hand from work with these athletes. Here’s what Katie has to say about common diving injuries.
Back Injuries from Diving
Spondylolysis or stress fractures of the bones in the lower spine, is common due to overuse from arching or extending of the back. Symptoms include low back pain that feels worse with back extension activities. Athletes with low back pain for longer than two weeks should see a doctor as successful treatment requires early recognition and timely treatment.
Wrist Injuries
When divers enter the water, they grasp their hands one on top of the other with the palm facing toward the water. As they try to “punch” a hole in the water, the wrist gets bent backward. This can be treated with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Diving Shoulder Injuries
These injures occur during water entry when arms extended overhead get forced back. Also, shoulder and arm positions during the hurdle, arm swing and during twisting dives all can over-strain tight, weak or poorly conditioned shoulder structures.
Foot and Ankle Injuries from Diving
While somewhat uncommon, the jumping required in this sport can cause injury, specifically when the foot lands in an awkward position.
Diving Injury Prevention and Treatment
Katie recommends stretching your back, shoulders and wrists before every workout as a great way to protect against injury. In addition to stretching, there are specific things a diver can do to help ward off a repetitive injury:
- Back: Engage your core throughout the dive and it will help protect your back. Core-strengthening exercises are so important. The stronger the muscles, the less prone to injury and athlete will be.
- Wrists: If your wrists are weak, use tape or wrists guards whenever you dive on platform, as they keep the wrists solid and in position. Wrist guards also deflect some of the pressure that the wrists absorb.
- Shoulders: The stronger your upper back and shoulders, the less prone they will be to injury. Consult your physician and physical therapist or athletic trainer for appropriate and proper strengthening exercises.
- Foot and Ankle: Maintaining a stable and flexible ankle will help prevent these injuries. Taping techniques for a weak ankle may be beneficial and help prevent injuries.