Dear Trish
Being an ex martial artist, very ex, and a physio, I have a little personal
insight into some of the martial art injuries. Apart from the contact type,
which can be anywhere, the general evils come from over training and the
type of training.
The obsession with situps can play havock with the spine especially Lx, the
balance between the abdominals is rarely given much training attention.
Similarly punching and kicking muscles like, quads, hip flexors, biceps and
pecs can get overworked whilst the opposite groups can become neglected; a
precursor to injury.
In the lower limb, couple the above point with an unhealthy need to
overstretch hams/adds and hip/knee problems can ensue. I have a flat Lx and
hypermobile hips as a consequence of the training with associated aches and
pains.
Finally try not to have them kicking and punching fresh air. This can lead
to excess movements in the joints, especially knees and elbows. Hitting pads
or bags is much more comfortable, for the latter I would suggest Anne
Widdicombe.
As a final point I would suggest in real sparring situations the combatants
do not shout and keep their jaws closed, as in boxing, Whilst sparring and
telling some one they were rubbish I took a right hook on an open mandible
and have TMJ problems since; well deserved.
Hope this helps
Regards Kevin Reese PT
----- Original Message -----
From: Trish Bailey <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2001 2:26 PM
Subject: martial arts
> Does anyone out there have any experience in working with martial artists?
I
> am thinking particularly about karate and the sorts of injuries which are
> common, how to prevent them and advice on the sort of warming up exercises
> which are appropriate?
> Thanks .
> Trish Bailey
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