This book presents the most current information on the treatment of athletes involved in gymnastics, a multifaceted sport with unique demands on its participants that can lead to a myriad of medical conditions and injury patterns. It opens with an introduction to the history of gymnastics and a brief review of gymnastics disciplines and events. An overview of gymnastics injury epidemiology lays the foundation for the rest of the book. Growth and developmental issues are also discussed in detail, as many young gymnasts train long hours before or during puberty. Concepts related to the biomechanics of gymnastics, common overuse and acute musculoskeletal injuries, psychological issues, concussions, as well as rehabilitation and return-to-play principles round out the presentation. Throughout, there is the emphasis that young athletes are not simply small adults, and that they have unique needs and considerations for evaluation and treatment. Written and edited by experts in the field, some of whom are former gymnasts themselves, Gymnastics Medicine covers all of the relevant information on evaluation, management and return-to-play for sports medicine physicians, advanced practice providers, physical therapists, athletic trainers, exercise scientists, and mental health professionals.

This new volume in the Handbook of Sports Medicine and Science series, published in conjunction with the Medical Commission of the International Olympic Committee, offers comprehensive and practical guidance on the training and medical care of competitive gymnasts. Written and edited by leading trainers, team doctors, coaches and other professionals with unparalleled experience in elite gymnastics, this book covers all the key aspects of caring for gymnasts, minimizing the unique risks these athletes face, and treating injuries when they happen. The book is organized into 4 sections covering: The evolution of gymnastics Growth and development Training and performance Sports medicine Individual chapters cover key topics such as energy needs and body weight management; biomechanics; psychology; the epidemiology of gymnastic injuries; treatment and rehabilitation of common injuries; injury prevention; and more. Endorsed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), no other book offers such an in-depth look at the unique considerations and challenges that affect the growth, performance, training, and medical care of athletes in this demanding sport.