Water polo is a high-contact, aggressive sport. While everyone is susceptible to injury, there are many factors that come into play that can put certain people at a higher risk than others. The threat of injury is very high for both men and women, at any skill level, but the more competitive the level of play, the higher the chances of injury overall. The most common injuries are head wounds and concussions, followed by hand scrapes, finger dislocations and fractures, hypothermia, sunburn, warts, and shoulder and knee injuries. People can get hurt simply because of the environment since the sport requires spending lengthy amounts of time in a chlorinated pool or being out in the sun. Players might get hit by other players or the ball. It’s important to take precautions before any major injuries occur since prevention is a lot easier to manage than recovery.
Equipment
The proper equipment is needed to cut down on injury risk. Using appropriately fitted protective gear is very important, no matter which position is being played on a team. Mouthguards can greatly reduce the risk of injury when they are the correct size. Goalies are at a higher risk for head injuries, so a properly fitted goalie cap is crucial.
Self Care
Being alert is key when playing a sport, especially a fast-moving, high-contact one. It’s important to get the recommended nightly 8 hours of sleep, as well as eating whole grains and a protein- and plant-enriched diet. The recommended daily allowance of water is half your body weight in ounces. Be careful not to drink too much water because it will throw off your body’s natural Ph levels. Keep your toenails and fingernails short to cut down on possible run-ins with the ball or other players.
Training
Proper training and regular practice are crucial when deciding to play water polo, both as a serious sport and a casual hobby. Although prep is important, it is also possible to overtrain, causing yourself a different kind of injury. If you have a personal trainer or coach, be sure to follow their advice when it comes to practice and training. You can greatly reduce the risk of bodily injury by doing proper warmup exercises and using correct form.
Look for Signs of Trouble
Keeping vigilant about monitoring your body for signs of injury can prevent issues from worsening.