- The new Gymnastics Sports Unit brings together specialists in Sports Medicine, Physiotherapy and specialized Rehabilitation, to meet the specific needs of gymnasts from different disciplines.
- Led by former gymnast and coach Mireya Esteban, the Unit has already helped gymnasts successfully return to the mat after various common injuries in these disciplines.
The various gymnastic disciplines are among the most demanding sports from a physical and technical standpoint. Behind the apparent ease with which gymnasts perform jumps, turns, and other technical elements lie countless hours of training and, in many cases, injuries that appear at a young age.
With the aim of providing specific care to this sports group, the hospital Imske Riverbank has launched its new Gymnastics Sports Unit, a highly specialized service created to prevent, diagnose, treat and support the recovery of gymnasts of different ages and competitive levels.
The unit is coordinated by Mireya Esteban, a sports rehabilitation specialist, former gymnast, and coach of Atzar Club With a background that gives her firsthand knowledge of the physical, technical, and emotional demands of these sports, she works alongside Dr. Sergio Calvache, a specialist in Sports Medicine, supported by the entire multidisciplinary team at Ribera Imske, a leading center for musculoskeletal disorders.
"Gymnastics injuries have very specific characteristics and require an approach adapted to the needs of each athlete. Knowing the sport from the inside allows us to better understand its demands and support gymnasts throughout the recovery process and return to competition," explains Mireya Esteban.
Injuries that are appearing at increasingly younger ages
Experts warn that intensive practice of disciplines such as rhythmic, artistic, acrobatic, or aesthetic gymnastics can increase the risk of overuse injuries during growth spurts. Among the most frequent are problems with the ankle, knee, wrist, hip, and spine, as well as muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries. Several studies indicate that many gymnasts suffer their first significant injury during adolescence, especially when training hours and the level of competition increase.
That is precisely why prevention, early detection, specific rehabilitation and physical preparation, such as that carried out at the Ribera Imske hospital, in this specific unit, are key aspects to avoid relapses and allow athletes to return to sports practice with guarantees and also to prevent injuries.
A service designed by and for gymnasts
The new unit incorporates a functional assessment specific to gymnastic sports, individualized rehabilitation programs, preventative advice, physical conditioning, and specialized medical monitoring. Several clubs and athletes have already placed their trust in this working model.
The Valencian Community boasts a strong gymnastics tradition and has numerous clubs specializing in rhythmic, artistic, acrobatic, aerobic, trampoline, and aesthetic gymnastics. It is estimated that there are over 2.400 registered athletes, placing the Valencian Community among the leading regions in Spain in this field.
The Ribera Imske hospital is committed to a specialized service that responds to a growing need of athletes, families and clubs, offering comprehensive support that combines sports experience, clinical knowledge and technology applied to recovery, thanks to its high specialization in the musculoskeletal system and facilities designed to prevent and treat this type of injury.
