Physiotherapy in Combat Sports

Combat sports include physical activities where fighting and self-defense techniques are applied with the aim of defeating an opponent. Some of the best-known examples include Judo, Karate, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Jiu Jitsu, and Kickboxing. These sports can be divided into two major subgroups: 1. Striking: where punching and kicking techniques dominate. 2. Grappling: where the goal is to take down the opponent and, in some cases, apply submission techniques. There are also hybrid modalities, such as MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), which combine both approaches. In these sports, athletes use both Striking and Grappling techniques in an integrated manner. The nature and techniques of each modality influence the most common injury profiles: in sports with a predominant Striking component, such as Boxing and Kickboxing, contusion and laceration injuries (such as cuts, etc.) are common. On the other hand, Grappling sports, such as Judo and Wrestling, show a higher incidence of joint sprains and ligament injuries.

Incidence of Injuries in Combat Sports The injury rate is high across all these disciplines, with particularly high values in MMA due to the combination of Striking and Grappling techniques. According to scientific literature, the incidence of injuries per 1000 athletic exposures is as follows: • Judo: 40/1000 • Taekwondo: 79.4/1000 • MMA: 228.7/1000 • Amateur Boxing: 77.7/1000 • Professional Boxing: 118 to 250.6/1000 The Role of Physiotherapy Physiotherapy plays an essential role in reducing the risk of injury in combat sports practitioners. Personalized exercise programs that consider the athlete's specific physical needs and clinical history are fundamental. The use of functional taping and other stabilization techniques helps protect the joints and the most vulnerable tissues. Training programs should focus on the following areas: • Muscle strength: essential for muscle resilience and injury prevention. • Energy systems: necessary to improve cardiovascular capacity and physical endurance. • Neuromuscular control: fundamental for stability and coordination, particularly in complex movements. Literature indicates that the isolated practice of these sports does not always ensure the maintenance of adequate body composition and muscle strength to prevent long-term health problems. Thus, it is important to complement with specific and supervised training. The ForPhysio Clinic offers specialized services, including an individualized assessment for each athlete, enabling a comprehensive understanding of their clinical history and specific needs. Based on this data, the ForPhysio team designs personalized plans focused on reducing injury risks and optimizing sports performance, helping athletes achieve a high and sustained performance level over time.