Participants in gymnastic events range from young children to the highly viewed Olympic athletes of the summer games.  The unbelievable athleticism of the participants captures the fascination and awe of both the expert and casual observer.

Athletes involved in the floor exercises and the vault, require short bursts of speed.  This explosiveness can lead to strains, particularly of the hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups.  Both events also require dynamic loading of the wrist and ankle joints.  Sprains to either of these areas would not be uncommon.

The athletes competing in the rings require and enormous amount of upper body strength and control.  Both the passive and active structures around the shoulder joint are at a high risk of injury.  Sprains of the joint capsule, dislocations, and strains of the shoulder girdle (or 'rotator cuff syndrome') musculature may be seen.

Pommel horse competitors are particularly susceptible to injuries of the wrist and forearm.  Tendonitis of the forearm (sometimes called forearm splints) and sprains to the wrist may be common.

Concussions are a particular concern in most any gymnastics event, particularly the balance beam, the high bar, and the uneven bars.  The speed, height, and velocity at which these athlete’s bodies are moving can make a concussion injury serious.