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Wrestling requires strength, flexibility, and endurance and gives young athletes the opportunity to develop self-discipline and persistence.

Due to its highly physical nature, wrestling has a high rate of injury, therefore, many of its rules focus on safety. Overly aggressive moves, for instance, can result in a penalty or even disqualification. By following these rules and learning proper technique, athletes can reduce the risk of injury for themselves and others.

What are the most common wrestling injuries?

It’s important to report any injury, even a small scrape or minor infection, to a coach, trainer, or other staff immediately since even minor injuries can keep a wrestler out of a match.

How do wrestling injuries happen?

Some of the most serious and common wrestling-related injuries affect the shoulders and knees. Older and more experienced wrestlers have a higher rate of injury, likely because of the increased intensity of the matches and the strength and weight of the competitors.

Many wrestling injuries result from overexertion. Other injuries occur from contact with opponents.

Regular skin-to-skin contact and contact with the mat may lead to infections such as herpes gladiatorum (“mat herpes”), ringworm, impetigo, and folliculitis.

Hard landings on takedowns and the twisting and force applied during competition can lead to dislocations, separations, and fractures of the shoulder; dislocations and ligament damage to the elbow; and injuries to the ligaments in the knee.

Head and neck injuries, including concussions, can occur when wrestlers are hit in the head (usually through head-to-head or head-to-knee contact between athletes) or thrown to the mat. Muscle sprains are the most common neck injuries. Fractures of the bones in the neck are rare but do occur.

Repeated hits to the ear can damage the cartilage around the ear, resulting in a swollen, misshapen appearance that resembles a cauliflower (known as cauliflower ear).

Preventing wrestling injuries

Coaches, trainers, and athletes can take measures to greatly reduce the risk of wrestling injuries.

Wrestlers should be coached and supervised at all times

Parents and athletes should seek coaches and programs that stress proper technique (including how to land), strict adherence to the rules, and good sportsmanship.

The better conditioned the athlete, the lower the risk of injury

Wrestlers should engage in a training program that strengthens the muscles and increases flexibility and endurance. Studies have shown that wrestlers with greater flexibility suffer fewer shoulder, back, and leg injuries.

Invest in high-quality equipment

  • Uniforms that fit snugly and allow for maximum mobility
  • Wrestling shoes that come above the ankles and provide adequate support
  • Headgear that protects the ears and may help prevent concussions
  • Mouth guards that protect the teeth and tongue and may reduce the risk of concussion
  • Other equipment as needed, such as hair coverings and face masks

Reduce the risk of slips, falls, and infection

  • Inspect mats for debris and, when possible, sanitize mats.
  • Take routine showers before and after practices and matches and wear clean clothing at each match/practice.

Safe vs. unsafe weight control for wrestlers

Some wrestlers engage in dangerous behavior, such as crash diets, fluid restriction, and excessive training, to qualify for a weight class below their natural weight. Rather than boosting their chance of success, such behaviors often lead to fatigue and loss of strength, ultimately making athletes more prone to injury. In short, extreme weight-loss before a meet is both ineffective and can lead to serious harm.

To steer wrestlers away from the dangers of crash diets and overtraining, most wrestling associations have put in place minimum-weight certification programs. These programs require that wrestlers weigh in during the first two weeks of the season. This establishes each athlete’s minimum weight, which is typically no less than 7 percent of their weight at the initial weigh-in. If a wrestler’s weight drops below that 7 percent, they are not cleared to compete.

To maintain a consistent weight, wrestlers should eat a balanced diet appropriate for their age, body size, level of physical development, and training regimen. The best way to “make weight” is through a proper diet conducted under the supervision of a coach and a dietitian.

How we care for wrestling injuries at Boston Children’s Hospital

As the largest and most experienced pediatric and young adult sports medicine practice in the country, the Sports Medicine Division at Boston Children's combines personalized care with innovative treatment for each athlete we treat.

Our Sports Medicine team consists of sports medicine physicians, dietitians, physical therapists, podiatrists, athletic trainers, sports psychologists, and many others who collaborate in every aspect of our patients’ care and their recovery.

The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, part of the Sports Medicine Division, is dedicated to the prevention of sports injuries. Through our rehabilitation and strength training programs, we offer practical strategies that help young athletes reduce their risk of injury while enhancing their sports performance.