Gymnastics Wrist Injury in Lee’s Summit
Specialized Rehabilitation for Gymnasts in Lee’s Summit
Gymnasts place intense, repetitive stress on their wrists during tumbling, vaulting, bars, and weight-bearing skills. Over time, this pressure can lead to pain, swelling, and injury—making even basic skills difficult or unsafe. At Gabbert Clinic in Lee’s Summit, we provide targeted rehabilitation specifically designed to treat gymnastics-related wrist injuries, restore strength, and help athletes return to training with confidence.
Common Gymnastics Wrist Injuries Treated at Gabbert Clinic
Gymnastics wrist injuries typically result from repetitive loading, overtraining, or sudden impact during skills. The most frequent conditions include:
Gymnast’s Wrist (Distal Radius Stress Injury)
An overuse injury caused by repeated weight-bearing that leads to inflammation and irritation near the growth plate—especially common in younger gymnasts.
Wrist Sprains
Hard landings or awkward falls can overstretch or tear ligaments, resulting in pain, swelling, and instability.
Tendonitis
Repetitive gripping and impact can inflame wrist tendons, often causing sharp pain during bars, handstands, or tumbling.
TFCC Tears
Damage to the triangular fibrocartilage complex can lead to clicking, sharp pain, and decreased stability during skills.
Stress Fractures
Small fractures can occur from chronic overloading, particularly in growing athletes.
Left untreated, these injuries can become chronic and may limit performance or delay progress in training.
How Physical Therapy Helps Gymnasts Recover Faster
Pain Relief & Tissue Healing
We use hands-on manual therapy, soft tissue work, and therapeutic modalities to reduce pain, calm inflammation, and promote healing.
Strength & Stability Restoration
Customized strengthening targets the wrist, forearm, and stabilizing muscles to improve load tolerance and prevent reinjury.
Gymnastics-Specific Return-to-Sport Training
As healing progresses, we integrate sport-specific drills such as handstand progressions, impact preparation, and bar readiness to ensure a safe, confident return to training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes most gymnastics wrist injuries?
Repetitive weight-bearing, high-impact landings, and overtraining are the most common causes.
Can physical therapy prevent future wrist injuries?
Yes. Proper strengthening, mobility work, and progressive loading significantly reduce injury risk.
When should a gymnast seek treatment?
If wrist pain lasts more than a few days, worsens with weight-bearing, or limits performance, a professional evaluation is recommended.
Begin Your Recovery and Return Stronger
Wrist pain doesn’t have to sideline your training. With focused rehab and expert guidance, gymnasts can recover fully and return stronger than before. Contact Gabbert Clinic in Lee’s Summit today to schedule your wrist assessment.
Appointments fill quickly—book now and start your recovery journey.
Request An Appointment
Please fill out this form and we will contact you about scheduling.
Jennifer D
“Easy to work with and schedule appointments. She is always running on time as well as provides great service! Had a carpal release done at that same time as they repaired a wrist fracture. Her therapy has progressed me past my surgeon’s expectations!”
Vincent M
“I was referred to see Amy through my workers comp after having spent months doing physical therapy elsewhere. She was extremely thorough and explored many options to help facilitate healing and scar tissue minimization. I enjoyed our visits and probably talked her ear off all the while she didn’t make it seem that way. Ultimately my hand/tendon is in a better place than before we started. Would definitely go back.”