Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, agility, endurance, and technical skill. This combat sport blends striking, wrestling, and ground work, MMA athletes often put their bodies under high loads. As a result, injuries are a common part of the sport. From joint sprains to muscular injuries and fracture. However, physiotherapy can play an important role in preventing, treating, and rehabilitating these injuries, helping fighters return to action faster and stronger.
Common injuries associated with MMA:
Head injuries:
Any sports where a winning condition is to knock the other athlete out is going to raise concerns about head trauma. A concussion is a brain injury where there is an acceleration or deceleration of the skull due to a significant impact on the head or the body. The high velocity impact causes an imbalance of the brain cells, decrease blood flow and temporary short circuit of the brain. Some symptoms can include loss of consciousness, headache, nausea and dizziness. Concussion treatment usually involves close monitoring and a period of physical and cognitive rest. After this rest period, physiotherapy can help with providing exercises to resolved concussion related symptoms and improve blood flow. Physiotherapist can also use manual therapy to help with headaches, balance and whiplash related symptoms
Joint and bone injuries:
Mixed martial arts involves strike, grappling and wrestling. The submission component of the sport means that limbs are placed in an end of range and strained position where the limb is susceptible to injury. This can involve bony fractures, dislocations and ligament damage to the body. Intricate and smaller joints can be effected too. The fingers is a common injury seen in mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, some conditions involve mallet finger, jersey finger, boutonniere deformity and ligament injuries. This is mainly due to the repetitive gripping involved in the sport. This is why many athletes use to finger tape to provides extra support to the joints and tendons. An experienced physiotherapist can help diagnose the type of injury can help rehabilitate it.
How physiotherapy can help with these sport injuries:
Physiotherapist are health professionals who focuses on the assessment, treatment and prevention of movement injuries. Myphysio physiotherapists can provide you with a comprehensive treatment program. Our experienced physiotherapist will be able to provide you with a personalised rehabilitation program to keep your muscles and joints in optimal condition for mixed martial arts. Book an appointment today to get your health journey started with our friendly and experienced team. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram for tips on managing your sports injuries.
In the month of April 2024, Myphysio is offering 50% off initial consultation for new patients with MMA injuries. Mention BLOG50 at checkout to receive your discount and get your rehabilitation journey started with our friendly Myphysio physiotherapist.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care professional. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your health care provider.