Cheerleading Injuries
Cheerleading has changed a lot throughout the years. Today’s cheerleading is a very vigorous activity that includes gymnastics, tosses, partner stunts and pyramid building. Like other athletic activities, safety precautions can help prevent injuries.
How Can I Prevent Cheerleading Injuries?
- Make sure your child or teenager’s cheerleading coach is certified and properly trained for the job.
- Read the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA) safety guidelines. The AACCA regularly updates its guidelines for cheerleaders who are high school age and younger, and college age.
- The National Federation of State High School Associations publishes the “Spirit Rule Book,” which is another principal technical and safety reference resource for cheerleading coaches.
- Be sure your children practice and perform cheerleading only when supervised by their coach.
- Be sure your youngster receives proper training for gymnastics and other cheerleading stunts and techniques.
- Make sure your child knows his or her ability level and does not attempt advanced stunts before mastering the lower-level skills.
- Warm-up exercises and stretches are as important for cheerleaders as they are for other athletes.
- If your child sustains an injury, ensure they get the proper medical attention and follow-up as necessary.
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With their focus on PPT – Performance, Prevention and Treatment -- the specialists at Saint Vincent Sports Medicine can help you get back in the game after a cheerleading injury. Call them today at 814-866-3466.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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