Water polo is physically challenging, combining the rigors of swimming,wrestling, and repetitive throwing. Similar to basketball, it involves bursts of activity around the goal and during transition, as well as subtle moves and positioning under the water. All of these factors contribute to injury risk, with shoulder injuries among the most common in the sport.
How are some common water polo injuries and how can they be prevented?
Shoulder Injuries
A water polo player's arm is in a vulnerable position when cocking to throw. Tears of the labrum, the anchoring point for ligaments and the bicep tendon, can occur from both acute injuries such as dislocations and from repetitive injuries, such as too much throwing. After dislocation, some players can be managed in season if they can demonstrate full range of motion, full strength, and no or minimal instability symptoms. Surgical repair can be performed post-season.
Throwing in water polo differs from throwing in other sports because the players' legs do not have stable support. This can lead to an increase in fatigue of the muscles around the shoulder blade and upper back. According to one report of upper extremity injuries in water polo, 80 percent of players have shoulder pain during their careers. Focusing on dry-land core and shoulder muscular strengthening is critical for prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder pain and weakness.
Knee Injuries
Eggbeater kicking during games and practice can put strain on the knee, similar to when performing the breaststroke, commonly resulting in injuries such as medial collateral ligament strains and meniscal tears. Prevention activities should emphasize proper hip flexibility and strengthening the quadriceps and hamstring. Pre-season dry-land training, cross training, and water treading exercises can help prevent injury.
Back and Spine Injuries
In playing water polo, the back and spine are subjected to combined bending and rotational forces more often than in other throwing sports. This makes neck and lower back areas prone to injury, such as a strain or tear in the lumbar disk. Fortunately, severe spine trauma rarely occurs. Prevention is emphasized with core abdominal and back strengthening exercises.
Hand and Wrist Injuries
Grasping, twisting, and blocking during play frequently results in finger sprains and dislocations. If pain in the hand and wrist continues or if there is a deformity, xrays to test for possible fractures might be necessary. Sprains can typically be managed with buddy-taping but may require hand therapy. Proper sportsmanship is the key to prevention.
Facial Injuries
Eye and ear injuries from opponents' hands and ball strikes may include eye cuts, eardrum rupture, and even facial fractures. Emphasis should be on wearing and maintaining proper protective headgear with ear cups, and keeping players' fingernails clipped and filed. It is difficult to completely prevent these types of injuries, but protective equipment does help.
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