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Have you considered training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu? If so, there are some things you need to know about before you begin in order to ensure you protect yourself and know what to do in case it ends up happening to you while you’re training.
As you continue reading below you’re going to find insightful information on ways you can avoid sustaining a shoulder injury while you’re training in bjj. It happens quite often, but if you know what to be on the lookout for and preventative measures you can use and take you’re going to ensure you ward off these injuries.
Check the ways to avoid shoulder injuries below.
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What Are the Benefits?
Before we discuss the shoulder injuries that are happening in bjj and how to avoid them, here are some benefits you stand to gain when you choose to train. As you continue your training you will find that you’re becoming stronger because you’re using your entire body during each training session.
Because you’re spending so much time training you’re going to find that you begin to lose weight as you’re getting stronger. It’s also beneficial for people because most doctors or practicing physicians will detail for their patients how essential it is for them to perform some sort of exercise each and every day.
The last benefit is obviously you’re going to get better at bjj. The more you practice the easier it will be for you to perform the moves and things will begin to become like second nature for you as you continue your practice. Now that we’ve detailed some of the benefits of training bjj let’s get into what you really came for.
The ways to prevent shoulder injuries.
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Rest
One of the most common shoulder injuries comes from overuse because you’re constantly moving and counteracting your opponent’s moves. However, when soreness and pain begin to set in it’s essential you listen to your body and don’t continue to push past your limits.
We recommend that you take some time to rest your shoulder and let your aching shoulder joints, muscles, and tissues get the rest they need to recover ahead of your next session. If you want to participate in active rest and recovery you can find some useful exercises at www.KevinKruseMD.com that will aid in your healing process. The more rest you give your shoulder joints the better you will be when it’s time to begin training again.
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Ice and Heat
Another way to treat shoulder injuries is to routinely ice the joint. As you use your muscles and train it’s not uncommon for the area to become inflamed, which can cause joint stiffness that leads to pain if not taken care of properly. When you’re training you might even find that the area is warm to the touch because of all the blood flow.
Icing your shoulder after training can aid in mitigating inflammation and this will help to reduce the swelling if any has occurred. Many people you will find will use heat before training to help warm their joints and get ready for stretching and then at the end using the ice to cool the joint since training is now over.
Both hot and cold compresses are effective and can be used during your prevention process. When using heat ensure the temperature is warm enough that it will aid in muscle loosening without leading to burns. Nonetheless, you should always cover your heating pad with a cloth to ensure it’s not in direct contact with your skin.
See a Doctor
We understand this one might be cause for alarm, but it’s not. You don’t just have to see your primary care physician after you’ve sustained an injury. There are times when seeing them before that happens can be exactly what you need to ensure you don’t end up sustaining an injury.
Think of it as getting a routine checkup to ensure that everything is working the way it should. In this case, your doctor is going to take a look at your shoulder to ensure there’s nothing going on that will need their attention. They will test your mobility and flexibility while you’re seeing them and from there make their recommendations and send you on your way.
Preventing Shoulder Injuries
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is an exciting sport that is sweeping the nation, but much like others, it can cause injuries, especially shoulder injuries. We’ve given you some options to reduce the chances of injury including seeing your primary care physician for prevention and routine checkups.
As well as using hot and cold compresses before and after you begin training. Ensure you make these things a routine part of your training as you get things underway.
