For Parents Back Injury Disapointment

[HopefulTeamGymnast]

2 weeks ago today, DD hurt her back doing a backdrop to pullover on her trampoline (A skill she's had for a year or two and does it without a problem). She hasn't been able to go to gymnastics and can barely move without feeling pain. Ice, heat, rest, stretching, exercising and aspirin did not change a thing. Not even a little. We went to a chiropractor today who said she could possibly have a stress fracture and told us to get an x-ray, and we are getting one in 8 days. If she does have a stress fracture, it will take 6-12 weeks to heal. (if it's not a stress fracture, she'll still have to wait another week to see, and even longer for the chiropractor to see what the other options are and what they'll do about it, and whatever they'll do about it will take time and so on....)
This is the longest she hasn't done gymnastics, and the worst injury she's had. She's been homeschooled for 2 years, so there's not really any projects or a lot of work to distract her. So, to the parents who's children have had a bad injury that knocked them out of gymnastics for a while (which is probably everyone), what did your child do? How did they get by without doing gymnastics for a long period of time? Gymnastics is literally all DD does, watches, thinks, dreams, reads and researches about. We don't really have any time to go anywhere so she just stays at home all day and does gymnastics.. so is there any suggestions of something to get her mind off of it and have some fun?

 

[JBS]

She needs to see an orthopedic back / spine specialist.

As far as back injuries in gymnastics... they are not rare... however... everyone does not have them.

 

[NutterButter]

She needs to be seen by an orthopedist and preferably someone who has experience treating gymnasts or dancers. Also, stress fractures don't always show up on x-ray. MRI is much more reliable.

 

[gymmom01]

2 weeks ago today, DD hurt her back doing a backdrop to pullover on her trampoline (A skill she's had for a year or two and does it without a problem). She hasn't been able to go to gymnastics and can barely move without feeling pain. Ice, heat, rest, stretching, exercising and aspirin did not change a thing. Not even a little. We went to a chiropractor today who said she could possibly have a stress fracture and told us to get an x-ray, and we are getting one in 8 days. If she does have a stress fracture, it will take 6-12 weeks to heal. (if it's not a stress fracture, she'll still have to wait another week to see, and even longer for the chiropractor to see what the other options are and what they'll do about it, and whatever they'll do about it will take time and so on....)
This is the longest she hasn't done gymnastics, and the worst injury she's had. She's been homeschooled for 2 years, so there's not really any projects or a lot of work to distract her. So, to the parents who's children have had a bad injury that knocked them out of gymnastics for a while (which is probably everyone), what did your child do? How did they get by without doing gymnastics for a long period of time? Gymnastics is literally all DD does, watches, thinks, dreams, reads and researches about. We don't really have any time to go anywhere so she just stays at home all day and does gymnastics.. so is there any suggestions of something to get her mind off of it and have some fun?

I am not a medical professional, so I wont give any advice there. My daughter loves art and when she has been sidelined it has been a great outlet for her. There are lots of art tutorials online which could be a fun distraction. Or perhaps some other type of crafting project? My daughter also loves duolingo and is learning some Italian. It makes for an entertaining ride to the gym

 

[Xcelgymnast_Lynn]

2 weeks ago today, DD hurt her back doing a backdrop to pullover on her trampoline (A skill she's had for a year or two and does it without a problem). She hasn't been able to go to gymnastics and can barely move without feeling pain. Ice, heat, rest, stretching, exercising and aspirin did not change a thing. Not even a little. We went to a chiropractor today who said she could possibly have a stress fracture and told us to get an x-ray, and we are getting one in 8 days. If she does have a stress fracture, it will take 6-12 weeks to heal. (if it's not a stress fracture, she'll still have to wait another week to see, and even longer for the chiropractor to see what the other options are and what they'll do about it, and whatever they'll do about it will take time and so on....)
This is the longest she hasn't done gymnastics, and the worst injury she's had. She's been homeschooled for 2 years, so there's not really any projects or a lot of work to distract her. So, to the parents who's children have had a bad injury that knocked them out of gymnastics for a while (which is probably everyone), what did your child do? How did they get by without doing gymnastics for a long period of time? Gymnastics is literally all DD does, watches, thinks, dreams, reads and researches about. We don't really have any time to go anywhere so she just stays at home all day and does gymnastics.. so is there any suggestions of something to get her mind off of it and have some fun?

I would go see a pediatric spine doctor with experience in sports medicine. I would also get an MRI. As for distractions. If she's wanting to keep up stamina and strength, swimming is a great low stress exercise for off time. I enjoy bracelet making, knitting, and reading personally. Find out what other side interests she has and delve into them. Learn a new language. Learn to sing or play an instrument (helpful to gymnastics). If allowed by the doctor you could look into low impact dance. Weight lifting is helpful for strength training. What level and age is she?

 

[TheXcelMom]

I am so sorry to hear this. I hope she heals soon and comes back stronger.

 

[Aussie_coach]

I keep my tram kids coming to the gym with an injury. Gymnastics is a big part of their lives, they can still learn a lot from being there.

Sometimes they do coach training, help out team mates, complete physio approved exercises, even have a paid job if old enough.

 

[HopefulTeamGymnast]

I would go see a pediatric spine doctor with experience in sports medicine. I would also get an MRI. As for distractions. If she's wanting to keep up stamina and strength, swimming is a great low stress exercise for off time. I enjoy bracelet making, knitting, and reading personally. Find out what other side interests she has and delve into them. Learn a new language. Learn to sing or play an instrument (helpful to gymnastics). If allowed by the doctor you could look into low impact dance. Weight lifting is helpful for strength training. What level and age is she?

She's 13, and she doesnt have a level yet. She's focusing on backtucks on floor though, but her skills are uneven on other events.

 

[Xcelgymnast_Lynn]

She's 13, and she doesnt have a level yet. She's focusing on backtucks on floor though, but her skills are uneven on other events.

I would say look into swimming or dance if the doctor allows it. Is she in school? Maybe get her involved in a club.

 

[Helenchiro]

I am so sorry to hear about daughter's injury and the impact it has had on her gymnastics. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to not be able to do what she loves and have dedicated so much time and energy to. I can relate to the struggle of not being able to do gymnastics due to injury. Here are some activities that could help to focus on self-care and finding new ways to stay engaged and active during injury period:

1. Start a creative project such as making a scrapbook or creating a gymnastics routine.
2. Read books or watch documentaries on gymnastics to expand knowledge and stay connected to the sport.
3. If your chiropractor allows try new forms of exercise .such as dance to stay fit and challenge the body in new ways.
4. Volunteer at local gymnastics events or competitions to stay involved in the gymnastics community.
5. Practice visualization and mental preparation techniques to stay positive and motivated for a quicker recovery.

This injury is temporary and the time will pass. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

 

[WV Gym Mom]

First of all, she needs to be seen by a sports medicine doc to be evaluated. Now, as for what to occupy her with while she is not going to the gym, from a fellow homeschooler - there are so many things! Libraries, local homeschool events, museums/zoos (even if its in a wheel chair to rest), cooking, art, art classes, music classes, video editing, photography, reading, youtube, gaming, sleepovers with gym friends, etc. Eventually you will find things that 'click' with her.