
How to Prevent Common Martial Arts Injuries?
, by Sandesh Prasannakumar, 7 min reading time
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, by Sandesh Prasannakumar, 7 min reading time
Martial arts are a bag of numerous advantages in all physical and mental health aspects. However, like any physical activity, they can be dangerous if practised cautiously. Muscle pulls, scratches, and nausea are common, as well as bone fractures, sprains, dislocations, and other severe injuries. Luckily, most injuries related to martial arts are avoidable through prudence, proper planning, and proper handling. This article guides how to train safely and some measures to avoid unwanted incidences that would make you sit out on the mats.
Lack of warm-ups provided the stage for muscle strains and joint injury. In the case of intensive training sessions, it is important to warm your body up for at least 10-15 minutes. Moderate-intensity exercise such as running and jumping rope helps elevate the body's metabolic rate and improves blood circulation to the muscles. Warm-up exercises use flexibility to enhance the readiness of muscles, tendons, and ligaments for vigorous use. Pay particular attention to the flexibility of the hips, hamstrings, shoulders and other muscles that will invariably be exercised rigorously during martial arts. Players with injuries should also take longer warm-ups than players without injuries as well.
The practitioner may be rendered a quadriplegic or even killed while attempting to gain knowledge of complex martial arts throws or locks. Here, you can easily injure your wrists, knuckles, and feet even with simple moves such as punches or kicks if your form is not good. Whenever one can, see to it that he masters techniques from the experts. They will also demonstrate the correct way of performing those moves, the correct technique, and the precautions to take when performing the respective moves. Do not strive to implement complex strategies before you finish the basics. It’s as futile as trying to set out for a gallop before, and, you know, pulls, fractures, or other mishaps might ensue.
Some forms of martial arts have more impact, such as Muay Thai boxing. Use a helmet to minimise chances of getting a concussion or contusion, especially when engaging in sparring or competitive acquaintances. Health Protector for sensitive areas includes head gear, mouth guards, chest protector, shin guards, foot pads and padded gloves. Ensure that all the gear that must be worn is properly fitted so that it can fit tightly and comfortably simultaneously without hindering the wearer’s movements. Updated machinery should be bought after the old ones have become too old. The choice of equipment is very important in minimising the risks associated with martial arts.
Exposing yourself to greater competitive pressure and attempting to achieve beyond your capacity to match others will likely lead to an injury. Understand your capabilities and avoid stretching yourself too hard or doing certain exercises your body cannot yet handle. For instance, if it is the number of pushups or the ability to hold a sidekick at a specific level, do not push for more until you can. To build flexibility and strength, perseverance is needed. Consider warning signs such as discomfort or pain to avoid stressing delicate muscles or joints beyond their capabilities. Gradual, consistent, incremental changes are less likely to cause harm.
Martial arts require a lot of energy; thus, one needs good food and water to supply energy requirements and ensure the proper working of body organs. Consume protein in appropriate proportions, whole fats, and vitamins/minerals. These carbohydrates release energy slowly in the body and are useful for energy production. It also includes the intake of enough water, which should be taken instead of sugary sports drinks that lead to crashes. Correct pacing reduces cramping or fatigue, which may be linked to fuel and water consumption. Ensure all meals and snacks are taken at set times corresponding to the training sessions. Also, keep to healthy weight levels because obesity or being underweight increases the potential of getting an injury.
The surface of martial arts determines the risk of injury while practising. Prevent corners with thin carpet edges and wet surfaces that may cause people to slip, trip or fall over obstacles on the floor. Old cement or wooden flooring is not very appropriate for good traction or for the support for landing. Matted floors or martial arts rings are crucial to prevent injuries on the ground and stability during throwing, holding and other movements such as jumping kicks. It should also be free from moisture, dirt and other debris, and all equipment should be clean and tidy. It is also worth ensuring that protective mats do not slide or separate during sessions, for example. This provides a sound, reliable foundation as it is an insurance against all contingencies.
Martial arts are great as lifelong pursuits; only if you take preventive measures will you not get injured from avoidable injuries. Stretch before the sessions, follow instructor instructions, wear protective gear, avoid over-stretching, allow the body to warm up again, ensure that you eat well, and practice on the right surfaces. Martial arts, such as protecting yourself and others from avoidable injuries, are made easier through best practices in injury prevention. In this way, proceeding with caution and having great patience, you can successfully engage in the beloved disciplines for many years without getting an injury.
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Q: How many minutes should you warm up before martial arts?
A: Before performing any martial arts training, one should spend approximately 10-15 minutes on warm-up exercises, including light aerobic exercise and dynamic stretching. Some are likely to take longer than others, especially those returning from an injury or any other related ailment.
Q: Is it possible to learn martial arts from YouTube since many free tutorials are available online?
A: The best approach is to practice the movements in the presence of an experienced trainer rather than attempt to do it yourself with the videos you saw on YouTube or other similar sources. Martial arts sometimes have complicated stunts that require an expert’s touch; amateurs, including those seasoned in the sport, can easily get injured when they try them out on their own.
Q: Is practising martial arts a safe activity for children?
A: Kids should be taught martial arts because they are not dangerous, especially when the training is controlled for age/size and under supervision. Children require more games, basic movement patterns and less freedom to avoid injuries. Parents also enhance safety among students and the school in general.
Q: How often one should train martial arts?
A: Martial arts training should be intense to allow the body to adapt quickly to it, but this should not be done daily: 3-5 times a week is recommended, with 1-2 days off. This is because overtraining is caused by failure to give the muscles sufficient time for repairs, thus increasing the risk of an injury. Structuring and using breaks increase the regularity of practice.