Common Injuries in Shot Put
What is Shot Put?
Shot Put is a track and field event where athletes "put" (throw) a heavy spherical object called a "shot" as far as possible. The shot must be held close to the neck and released above the shoulder level using one hand. There are two main techniques in shot put:
Glide Technique: Involves a linear movement where the athlete glides across the circle to generate momentum before the release.
Spin (or Rotational) Technique: Involves a rotational movement where the athlete spins within the circle to generate angular momentum before the release.
Common Injuries in Shot Put
Shoulder Injuries: Due to the forceful overhead throwing motion, common injuries include rotator cuff strains, tendonitis, and labral tears.
Elbow Injuries: Overuse and acute injuries like ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries or tendinitis.
Wrist and Hand Injuries: Strains and sprains due to the weight and impact of the shot.
Back Injuries: Lower back strain and disc herniations are common due to the rotational forces involved.
Knee Injuries: Patellar tendinitis and meniscal injuries caused by the explosive leg movements.
Hip Injuries: Hip labral tears and muscle strains due to the powerful rotations and extensions.
Physiotherapy Management of Common Shot Put Injuries
Shoulder Injuries:
Acute Phase: Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and anti-inflammatory medications.
Rehabilitation Phase:
Range of motion (ROM) exercises
Strengthening of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers
Gradual return to sport-specific drills.
Elbow Injuries:
Acute Phase: RICE, bracing, and NSAIDs.
Rehabilitation Phase:
ROM exercises for the elbow joint
Strengthening of the forearm muscles
Eccentric loading exercises.
Wrist and Hand Injuries:
Acute Phase: RICE, splinting, and pain management.
Rehabilitation Phase:
ROM exercises
Strengthening and proprioception exercises for the wrist and hand.
Back Injuries:
Acute Phase: RICE, NSAIDs, and avoiding aggravating activities.
Rehabilitation Phase:
Core stabilization exercises
Flexibility training for the spine
Gradual reintroduction of rotational movements.
Knee Injuries:
Acute Phase: RICE, NSAIDs, and knee braces if needed.
Rehabilitation Phase:
Quadriceps and hamstring strengthening
Proprioception and balance exercises
Gradual return to explosive movements.
Hip Injuries:
Acute Phase: RICE, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modification.
Rehabilitation Phase:
Hip strengthening exercises
Flexibility exercises for the hip flexors and extensors
Sport-specific training.
Summary of Key Points
Shot Put is a track and field event that involves throwing a heavy spherical object.
Common injuries in shot put include shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, back, knee, and hip injuries.
Physiotherapy Management includes:
Acute Phase: Typically involves rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), pain management, and bracing.
Rehabilitation Phase: Focuses on restoring range of motion, strengthening specific muscle groups, proprioception, and gradual return to sport-specific activities.
Effective management of these injuries requires a comprehensive approach that combines immediate care with long-term rehabilitation to ensure a safe return to competition.
