Ligament tears, dislocations, and meniscal or labral tears
Although most injuries in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) are relatively minor, such as soft tissue sprains and strains, more severe injuries can also occur. Over 3 years of training, 2 out of every 3 BJJ practitioners can expect at least one injury that keeps them from training for 2 weeks or more. BJJ’s dynamic grappling nature and focus on joint-based submissions place a significant demand on joint-stabilising structures, such as ligaments, capsules, menisci, and labrums (pictured below are ligaments and menisci on a knee joint).
When these structures are torn, it can affect both long-term health and the ability to practice BJJ; however, with proper treatment, full recovery is often possible. Here are a few of the many ways that our physiotherapists can help make that possible.
Diagnosis
⦁ A thorough Physiotherapy assessment can reveal what sort of injury we are dealing with and how severe it is
⦁ Getting the correct diagnosis tells us how to treat it
Surgery or no surgery
⦁ In many cases, these injuries can be treated conservatively (meaning without surgery), but in some cases, a Physiotherapist may refer to Orthopaedics to consider surgical management.
⦁ If surgery is required, our physiotherapists can guide you through post-operative rehabilitation as well.
Dos and don’ts
⦁ Our physiotherapists can advise you on what to do and what not to do, so that you recover better, with less risk of re-injury
⦁ Having a Physiotherapist with a good understanding of BJJ is a great advantage because they understand the movements and demands of the sport.
Encouragement and guidance
⦁ Our Physiotherapists can answer your questions, provide education about your injury, and guide you on your rehab journey.
⦁ They’re here to support and encourage you so that you can get back to doing what matters most to you.
References
Hinz M, Kleim BD, Berthold DP, Geyer S, Lambert C, Imhoff AB, Mehl J. Injury Patterns, Risk Factors, and Return to Sport in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: A Cross-sectional Survey of 1140 Athletes. Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 Dec 20;9(12):23259671211062568. doi: 10.1177/23259671211062568. PMID: 34988235; PMCID: PMC8721390.