What are the other common injuries seen in cheerleaders?
Some of the more common injuries we see are to the wrist and shoulder. And a growing trend is low back pain and stress fractures to the lower back, called spondylolysis. This is fairly prominent in cheerleading, particularly with tumbling on hard surfaces, back layouts and handsprings, all of which require the extension of the lower back. These are particularly unique to the adolescent athlete not just in cheerleading. Repetitive impact seen in most sports—gymnastics, dancing, cheerleading, ice skating—are associated with high rates of this injury, which is one of the more common seen in our clinic. What can parents do? Parents should be comfortable with the coach’s approach to stunting and have an open discussion about how routines will be taught. Is it done in a slow, gradual fashion? Are there spotters, how are they being chosen and trained? Are the stunts being appropriately supported and instructed? They should also consider where the practices are being held: grass, padded mats,
