Boxing is now a multi-million $ enterprise, and week in, week out professionals and amateurs alike put their bodies on the line in what is a hugely physical sport. With so much involved in training and preparing for a fight, it’s easy to forget that a strict regime and the bouts themselves can have an enormous impact on the athlete’s body.
Here are just a handful of the many ways that boxing affects the body, as well as methods to combat the negative effects that can be part and parcel of this sport.
Head injuries
It has been well documented that boxing can lead to head injuries. Professionals can be more susceptible to these than amateurs, due to the lack of head protection and the higher number of rounds in a single contest.
Concussion is a risk present for any boxer, and so it’s important to be mindful of these dangers when in and out of the ring. If you do become concussed at any stage, it is important to seek the help and advice of a medical professional, as it is vitally important to treat any head injuries with the utmost respect.
Cuts and bruises
Cuts and bruises are commonplace for boxers. These can be minor or severe, and can develop over time.
There are a number of techniques used by professionals and amateurs alike to minimize the possibility of becoming cut, and it is equally important to manage any injuries when they do appear. If you do become cut, do not leave the wound untreated. Be sure to take a sensible approach to caring for the injury in the long term so as not to worsen it. Scar tissue can also open up again, so try to avoid returning to the ring soon after injury if you can help it.
Muscle strain
Muscle strain is a common complaint across a number of physical sports, but it can be particularly prevalent in boxing.
Active exercise in the build-up to a fight as well as the fights themselves can put a huge amount of strain on the muscles, and so there is a risk of picking up an injury before or during a fight. Consider a sports massage to help keep muscles supple and incorporate treatments as part of a broader training regime.
Fractures
It is quite common to fracture a hand or wrist as a result of boxing. It is important to utilise wrapping on the hands before donning your gloves. There are a number of online tutorials designed to help with this, so if you are new to the sport, make sure that you wrap up correctly as this is an important step towards protecting your hands and wrists in the ring.
But it’s not just your hands that are at risk of fractures – ribs, jaws, noses are all vulnerable areas when taking part in boxing matches or sparring.
The ultimate workout
Whilst there are a number of negative ways that boxing can affect the body, it’s not all bad! Boxing is the ultimate workout. A simple sparring session or even just 30-minutes of pad work can be a great way to keep fit and active. Many people now shadow box or take part in boxercise sessions, as these are enjoyable and therapeutic ways to get fit. Consider working with a personal trainer who will help guide you based on your fitness levels and capabilities, and you’ll reap the benefits over time.
Jenkins Soft Tissue Therapy offers a number of treatments suitable for amateur and professional athletes. Sports and remedial massages are the ideal solution to combat injuries developed through boxing. Contact Rhiannon today and book a treatment at our clinic or from the comfort of your own home.
