Martial Thai is a popular Thai-boxing sport. This stand-up-striking game uses your fists, elbows, knees, and shins in various clinching techniques. This Thai-boxing sport isn’t just for show; it’s got some severe injury risks – sprained ankles, broken noses, injured knees, you name it.
You must understand some important tips and strategies to avoid these injuries and to have a faster recovery. Whether you need proper protective headgear or physical therapy, we will give in-depth details on how to prevent Muay Thai injuries and recover faster.
Common Muay Thai Injuries
Let’s look at a few common injuries that may occur during Muay Thai training.
1. Hand and Wrist Injuries
Hand and wrist injuries are common in Muay Thai. They can occur if you don’t wrap your hands properly or use hand pads during Muay Thai training.
To prevent hand injuries, it’s essential to wrap your hands correctly. Avoid using hand pads when sparring with partners who are heavier than you or have different levels of experience than yourself.
2. Foot and Ankle Injuries
Watch out for foot and ankle injuries during Muay Thai training. They happen when you land too hard or twist too much during a move. Research shows fewer chances for this injury[1] in amateur Muay Thai boxers.
It can cause sprains, tears, and bruises on your ankle and even go up to your knee. And if you don’t treat it, it can cause inflammation. You can avoid foot and ankle injuries by using hand wraps and pads during Muay Thai training and stretching and warming up before training. If you get injured, rest until you fully recover.
Head and Facial Injuries
According to research, head injuries are the second most common [2] in Muay Thai. The head is a vulnerable area, as it’s where your brain is. Head injuries can result in concussions, which can cause severe brain damage if left uncured.
Prevention tips for hand injuries include proper hand wrapping.
- Use both gauze and tape when wrapping your hands.
- Use hand pads during training sessions.
- Wear protective gear such as headgear or mouth guards when fighting opponents with whom you’re unfamiliar.
4. Shoulder Injuries
A shoulder blow or overuse can cause shoulder injuries. The most common injuries are rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocation, and impingement. To prevent these injuries, you must wrap your hands and use hand pads during Muay Thai training so that you don’t hit hard surfaces like concrete floors or metal bars.
5. Elbow Injuries
Muay Thai elbow injuries can be excruciating. This is because the elbows block punches and kicks during sparring sessions. If you don’t protect your elbows adequately, the impact of these strikes will cause bruising or even broken bones in your arms.
When it comes to preventing elbow injuries in Muay Thai:
- Use proper hand-wrapping techniques when training.
- Only spar using hand pads at least once a week. This will help prevent injury and give you an idea of how much force you’re putting on an opponent’s body parts during fight situations!
6. Bruised Shins
It’s easy to get bruised during Muay Thai training, as your shin is exposed when kicking or punching. It’s also more likely to happen if you don’t wear shin guards during training.
To prevent this injury, use hand wraps when training so that the kick hits your partner’s hand instead of the target. The padding provided by these wraps can also help prevent bruising on your shins!
7. Shin Splints
Shin splints occur when the muscles, tendons, and bones in the lower leg become inflamed. Shin splints can be caused by overuse or improper training. If you have shin splints, your shins will feel sore after practice sessions and may swell up slightly with increased inflammation.
To prevent this injury from occurring:
- Wrap your hands before sparring or bag work. It helps absorb shock and protect knuckles.
- Use hand pads during bag work.
- Avoid kicking complex objects; practice on soft surfaces like mats or sandbags.
8. Sprained Wrists
You can get sprained wrists while wrapping, using hand pads during Muay Thai training, and falling on your hands. If you have sprained your wrist before then, there are some things that you should do to prevent it from happening again:
- Wrap your hands tight when hitting heavy bags or training partners.
- Avoid loose skin and spaces between fingers to prevent slipping and chronic injuries like arthritis.
9. Knee Strain
Knee strains are also usual Muay Thai injuries and can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. To avoid knee strains during training, warm up before your session and use hand pads to reduce the impact on your joints.
Knee strain is an injury involving damage to the ligaments around the knee joint. It usually occurs when too much stress is put on these ligaments as they try to keep everything aligned while you’re moving around or kicking another person.
Less Common But Serious Injuries
Here are a few less common injuries that may take place while Muay Thai training.
1. ACL Tear
An ACL tear is an injury that occurs in the knee, specifically the anterior cruciate ligament. To prevent an ACL tear, work on building strength in the muscles surrounding the knee and practicing proper technique when performing moves that stress the knee. Recovery typically involves physical therapy and may require surgery. It’s essential to take the necessary time to recover to avoid re-injuring the knee properly.
2. Meniscal tear
A meniscal tear injury happens to the meniscus. It is a cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones. To prevent a meniscal tear, work on building strength in the muscles surrounding the knee and practicing proper technique when performing moves that stress the knee.
Recovery typically involves physical therapy and may require surgery if you suffer a meniscal tear. It’s crucial to take the necessary time to recover to avoid re-injuring the knee properly.
3. Concussions
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a sudden head movement. It’s essential to wear appropriate protective gear, such as headgear, and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a concussion, such as a headache, confusion, and dizziness, to prevent concussions.
If you suspect you have a concussion, seek medical attention immediately. Recovery can include rest and avoiding activities that can cause further injury to the brain.
4. Fractures
Fractures are a less common injury in Muay Thai, but they can still occur. They are caused by a break in one or more bones, typically due to a hard impact or overuse. To prevent fractures, you must warm up properly before training or fighting, use proper technique, and wear appropriate protective gear.
Recovery from a fracture can take several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the injury. Physical therapy and rest are usually necessary for a full recovery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery and rehabilitation are essential parts of Muay Thai training. The extent and type of injury determine [3] how much effort, and time you’ll need in rehabilitation. After an injury or intense training session, rest and ice are crucial for reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Stretching and strengthening exercises can also help prevent injuries and improve performance. Physical therapy and massages can assist in healing and aid in restoring the range of motion.
Conclusion
The more you know about injuries that can occur while working out or Muay Thai training, the better equipped you are to prevent them. Always be cautious when training, and only go full speed into a kick or punch by testing it out on some bags or pads.
FAQs
1. How can I avoid injuries while training in Muay Thai?
By warming up properly, using proper technique, and wearing appropriate protective gear, you can reduce your risk of injury.
2. What should I do if I get injured during training or fighting?
If you get injured during training or fighting, it is essential to rest, ice the injury, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
3. How long does it take to recover from a Muay Thai injury?
The time it takes to recover from a Muay Thai injury can vary depending on the severity of the damage. Still, you must follow proper recovery and rehabilitation protocols to ensure a complete and safe return to training.
References
[2] https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/35/5/308.abstract
[3] https://bibliotekanauki.pl/articles
[4] https://fightquality.com/2018/09/24/common-training-injuries-and-how-to-treat-them-acl-tear/