Playing wheelchair basketball can be a physically demanding sport that can lead to a variety of injuries. Some common injuries associated with playing wheelchair basketball include:
- Shoulder injuries
- Wrist injuries
- Elbow injuries
- Back injuries
- Lower limb injuries
Shoulder injuries
Shoulder injuries are one of the most common injuries in wheelchair basketball. The repetitive motion of pushing the wheelchair can put a lot of strain on the shoulders, leading to overuse injuries such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and tendonitis.
Players may also experience shoulder injuries from the impact of contact during the game, such as collisions with other players or the wheelchair hitting the court surface.
Wrist injuries
Wheelchair basketball players are at risk of developing wrist injuries due to the constant gripping and pushing of the wheels. This repetitive motion can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and wrist sprains.
Players may also experience wrist injuries from falls or collisions during gameplay, further increasing the risk of injury to the wrists.
Elbow injuries
Elbow injuries are another common injury seen in wheelchair basketball players. The repetitive pushing motion can cause strain on the elbow joint, leading to conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
Players may also experience elbow injuries from the impact of contact during the game, such as blocking shots or defending against other players.
Back injuries
Playing wheelchair basketball can put a strain on the back due to the constant movement and twisting involved in the sport. Players may experience back injuries such as muscle strains, herniated discs, or spinal cord injuries.
Improper wheelchair setup or poor posture while playing can also increase the risk of back injuries in wheelchair basketball players.
Lower limb injuries
While players in wheelchair basketball primarily use their upper body strength, lower limb injuries can still occur. Players may experience injuries to the lower limbs from falls, collisions, or overuse.
Common lower limb injuries in wheelchair basketball players include strains, sprains, and fractures in the legs or feet.