Mixed martial arts is exciting to watch. Unfortunately, it also has one of the highest incidences of injury. More than 66 percent of MMA fighters surveyed say that they pick up a new injury every six months. Seventy percent of those who practice MMA have reported training while injured. Experiencing everything from lacerations to broken bones to head injuries, these fighters push forward with their training. They are always working hard to be faster, stronger, and tougher than the person standing across the octagon from them. As a result of the intense training and fighting style that these athletes take part in, the most common MMA injuries are as follows. For the best experience in martial arts in Raleigh, call Gracie.
What Are The Common MMA Training Injuries
- Back Injuries – From muscle strains to ruptured discs, almost 16 percent of MMA fighters experience chronic low back pain. This pain comes as a result of facet joint injuries, muscle strains, and disc injuries. These lower back problems can be quite severe and may require surgical intervention to correct.
- Concussions – There is much discussion in the sports world about concussions and the protocols to treat them in order to protect the athlete’s brain. Multiple concussions or repeat blows to the head greatly increase the risk the fighter has of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE. Professional fighters as well as professional football players, have been diagnosed with this condition as a result of multiple blows to the head or concussions that were not healed properly before returning to competition.
- Hand Injuries – Jammed fingers, torn ligaments, and fractures are just part of the MMA life. While fighters do utilize gloves to help protect their hands when they fight, these do not prevent all injuries. Surgery to align the bones and tendons in the hands may be needed for more complex fractures, and torn ligaments may need to be reattached.
- Neck Injuries – Ligament and muscle strains are common in MMA fighters. As a result, many experience joint problems in their necks and have chronic irritation of the nerve root in their neck.
- Shoulder Injuries – From dislocations to strains to torn rotator cuffs, these fighters put their shoulder joints to the test. Many famous MMA fighters have had to take serious time away from the sport to have their torn rotator cuffs repaired and rehabilitated.
- Knee Injuries – Torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) and posterior cruciate ligaments (PCLs) or the meniscus are the most common knee injuries experienced by fighters while they grapple in the ring. While these tears cannot always be repaired surgically, the scar tissue can be surgically removed and may improve the level of discomfort the fighter feels.
For more common BJJ injuries, visit back with our last post.
The Best Mixed Martial Arts in Raleigh NC For Fall
Want to learn more about martial arts in Raleigh? Gracie Raleigh is known as one of the most respected MMA gyms in the area. With free mixed martial arts classes for beginners and special classes for women, call or come by to see what Gracie Raleigh can do for your MMA training today!