Category: Physio

Common Injuries in Combat Sports:

1. Musculoskeletal Injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries are the most prevalent injuries in combat sports. According to research by

the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, strains and sprains account for

approximately 32% of MMA injuries (AOSSM, 2024). These injuries typically result from the

explosive, multidirectional movements required in combat, especially during takedowns and

transitions. Knee ligament tears and ankle sprains occur frequently due to pivoting and kicking

motions. These injuries can significantly impact an athlete’s mobility and stability, making early

intervention crucial (AOSSM, 2024). Hip injuries are increasingly recognised among combat sports

athletes, particularly due to the dynamic movements involved in these disciplines. Common hip

injuries include Labral Tears, Femeroacetabular Impingement (FAI) and Hip Flexor Strains.

The hand is one of the most commonly injured areas in mixed martial arts (MMA), primarily due to

repetitive striking. A study analysing 408 MMA fights, reported an upper limb injury rate of 9.9 per

100 athletic exposures, with the hand being the most frequently injured location (6.61 per 100

exposures). Specific injuries include carpometacarpal (CMC) instability, boxer’s knuckle, and skier’s

thumb. These conditions often result from repetitive stress and impact during training and

competition (Fares et al., 2022).

Shoulder injuries are prevalent among combat sports athletes, particularly due to the demands of

striking and grappling. Rotator cuff tears and labral tears are common shoulder injuries in these

athletes, often resulting from repetitive overhead movements and direct trauma.

2. Fractures and Dislocations

Fractures, especially to the hands and wrists, are common due to frequent striking. Dislocations,

particularly of the shoulder and elbow, are often associated with submission holds and throws

(AOSSM, 2024).

3. Concussions and Head Trauma

Head injuries remain a critical concern in combat sports. Concussions can result from both direct

head strikes and whiplash-type movements. Over time, recurrent concussions may lead to chronic

traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive neurological disorder (Torres, 2018).

The Role of Physiotherapy in Combat Sports

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in injury management and improving performance for combat

sports athletes.

1. Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation

Physiotherapists conduct detailed assessments and develop personalised rehabilitation plans. These

often include exercises to improve joint stability, mobility, and strength—critical for recovering

from injuries such as ACL tears or rotator cuff strains (AOSSM, 2024).

2. Manual Therapy Techniques

Manual therapy, including joint mobilisations, myofascial release, and soft tissue manipulation, can

significantly reduce pain and facilitate recovery. Trifecta Therapeutics (2023) reports that hands-on

techniques are especially effective in managing joint and soft tissue dysfunctions.

3. Neuromuscular Re-education

This approach focuses on retraining the body to use correct movement patterns, which can prevent

reinjury and enhance athletic performance. It’s especially relevant for post surgical rehabilitation of

the lower limbs, where impaired biomechanics often lead to recurring issues (Kaur & Singh, 2017).

4. Preventive Strategies/ Education

Physiotherapists also educate athletes on injury prevention, emphasising proper warm-up,

stretching, and strength training.

Conclusion

Combat sports athletes face a high risk of various injuries due to the physical intensity and

unpredictability of competition. Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role not just in injury recovery, but in

building resilience, enhancing performance, and extending athletic careers. A well-rounded

physiotherapy program should be considered an essential part of every combat athlete’s training

regimen.

References
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), 2024. Mixed Martial Arts: Injury
Patterns, Trends, and Misconceptions. [online] Available at: https://www.sportsmed.org/
membership/sports-medicine-update/summer-2024/mixed-martial-arts-injury-patterns-trends-and-
misconceptions [Accessed 14 Apr. 2025].
Fares, M. Y., Baydoun, H., Elhassan, B., & Abboud, J. A. (2023). Upper limb injuries in mixed
martial arts. The Physician and sportsmedicine, 51(5), 434–441. https://doi.org/
10.1080/00913847.2022.2123257
Kaur, R. and Singh, J., 2017. Physiotherapy and martial arts. ResearchGate. [online] Available at:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319112469_Physiotherapy_and_martial_arts [Accessed
14 Apr. 2025].Torres, R., 2018. Mixed Martial Arts and the Risk of Concussion. Orlando Orthopaedic Center. [pdf]
Available at: https://www.orlandoortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Torres-Mixede-Martial-
Arts-min.pdf [Accessed 14 Apr. 2025].
Trifecta Therapeutics, 2023. 5 Ways Physical Therapy Can Knock Out Injuries in Combat Athletes.
[online] Available at: https://www.trifectatherapeutics.com/blog/rehab-for-the-combat-athlete-5-
ways-pt-can-ko-injuries [Accessed 14 Apr. 2025].