Professional wrestling is a trendy industry with a global following. In fact, its promotional counterpart, World Wrestling Entertainment, has amassed a 1.1 billion revenue in 2021 alone.
But what many don’t see behind the scenes are the immense health risks of being a professional wrestler. They are often required to perform stunts that may lead to health concerns and constantly put their bodies through strenuous activity. As a result, they are more prone to injuries and health problems.
So how do professional wrestlers stay fit despite the health risks? Here are some challenges wrestlers face and how they overcome them:
Acute stress reactions
The wrestlers are constantly under pressure to perform, which can make them feel overwhelmed and stressed out. They may suffer from anxiety, insomnia, and irritability. This mental health condition is a common occurrence in professional wrestling.
If not appropriately managed, acute stress reactions can lead to more severe conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can negatively affect a person’s mental and physical health.
Wrestlers typically deal with acute stress reactions by seeking counseling or therapy. This practice allows them to speak to someone about their feelings and learn coping mechanisms. Guidance from a professional can help wrestlers know how to manage their stress better. This way, they can continue to perform without suffering long-term health effects.
Muscle strains and tears
The constant physical demands placed on the wrestlers’ bodies can lead to their muscles being overworked and strained. It can cause pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Without the proper treatment, muscle strains and tears can result in permanent damage.
So, how do wrestlers deal with these common injuries? They typically receive immediate medical attention to assess the extent of the muscle injury. After that, they might be placed on a wrestling hiatus to allow their body time to rest and heal.
Depending on the injury, wrestlers might have to undergo physical therapy or even surgery. These treatments can help wrestlers recover from their injuries and get back to performing as soon as possible.
Joint dislocation
The high-impact nature of the sport puts the wrestlers at risk of suffering from joint dislocations. It can happen when a wrestler lands awkwardly or gets hit with a hard object. Joint dislocations can be extremely painful and may require surgery to correct.
Many wrestlers try to prevent joint dislocations by wearing protective gear. This gear can help cushion the blow and reduce the risk of injury. In some cases, though, it might not be enough to prevent an injury from happening. If a wrestler does suffer from a joint dislocation, they will likely receive medical attention right away.
After the joint is put back into place, the wrestler might have to rest and avoid physical activity for some time. This way, the joint can heal properly and reduce the risk of further injury.
Concussions
Constant physical contact between the wrestlers means that there is a risk of concussions happening. Concussions can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Some concussions may require hospitalization for treatment. In severe cases, concussions can lead to long-term health effects such as memory loss and problems with mental function.
To prevent concussions, wrestlers often wear protective gear. This gear can help reduce the impact of a blow to the head and prevent concussions from happening.
When a concussion does occur, the wrestler will likely receive immediate medical attention. They might be treated with ice or given medication to help with the symptoms. And once the concussion has healed, the wrestler will need to take it easy for a while before returning to physical activity.
Broken tooth
While mouthguards can help protect teeth, they are not always enough to prevent them from being broken. In some cases, a tooth might get knocked out entirely. It can happen if a wrestler gets hit in the mouth with a hard object or if they land on their face. This part is where digital dentistry comes in.
Digital dentistry 3D printing is an emerging technology starting to make its name in the dental industry. This technology can help create accurate impressions necessary for custom-fitted mouthguards. These mouthguards can help protect teeth from being broken or knocked out.
On the other hand, if a tooth does get broken or knocked out, the wrestler can use 3D printing to create a replacement tooth. This tooth can be made to match the wrestler’s natural teeth and will function just like a real one.
Although digital dentistry is not yet widely available, it will likely become more common. This technology can help wrestlers protect their teeth and maintain their winning smiles.
Professional wrestling is a physically demanding sport that puts the wrestlers at risk of sustaining injuries. As a result of these factors, professional wrestlers are susceptible to several health issues. But with the above knowledge, you can understand how professional wrestlers stay fit despite health risks.
