Description
This video presentation features Ian Gatt, a physiotherapist with over 20 years of experience in sports, especially boxing. As the head of performance and lead physiotherapist for Great Britain Boxing, Gatt discusses carpometacarpal (CMC) joint injuries prevalent among boxers. He provides insights into the incidence of hand and wrist injuries in boxing, their common types, and the injury mechanisms involved, emphasizing the need for effective assessment and management strategies, both conservative and surgical.
Throughout the talk, Gatt illustrates the statistics on CMC injuries, referencing a study from GB Boxing that revealed a significant percentage of injuries associated with the hands. He highlights the anatomical relevance of the CMC joint and explains how the mechanics of punching can lead to injuries, stressing the importance of proper injury management, including rehabilitation techniques and return-to-sport strategies.
Additionally, he elaborates on various rehabilitation exercises and therapeutic approaches used to strengthen the hand and wrist, underscoring the necessity of gradual reloading and activity progression to ensure safe returns to boxing post-injury. Gatt concludes by reiterating the importance of combining clinical expertise with effective communication among athletes, coaches, and medical staff to facilitate optimal recovery and performance in high-stakes competitions.