Baton twirling involves throwing around props and sometimes even playing with fire. This means safety needs to be a top priority. While some injuries are bound to occur in any sport, there are always steps you can take to make them less prevalent. Here are some of the most common issues that happen in baton twirling and how they can be prevented. Setting Up for Safety One of the most important ways to stay safe as a baton twirler is by using the correct size baton. Measure the baton by putting one end of the baton under the arm and making sure the other end fits in the palm. Next, make sure you’re practicing in a safe place. Choose areas that are free from tripping hazards like curled mats, loose flooring or debris. Stay hydrated, stick to shaded areas on hot days, and always apply sunscreen when practicing or performing outside. If it’s raining, be extra careful with each move, and look out for lightning. Avoiding Carpal Tunnel When you do the same motion with your hands day in and day out, it can be difficult to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome. Stretch out your wrists whenever you get the chance. There are yoga techniques that allow you to put minimal pressure on your wrists to help avoid carpal tunnel syndrome. Wear a wrist brace when you feel your wrist flaring up. This can help you avoid movements that will aggravate your condition further. Fractures and Other Injuries Stress fractures are tiny cracks caused from overuse; for performers, it’s critical to take the time out to rest and recover. You can also bypass ligament tears or other injuries by making sure your fundamental forms are clean before moving on to heavier weighted batons or more complex movements. Practice as much as possible to make sure you have the routine down before going to the more difficult moves. Always stretch before practicing or performing to avoid pulled muscles and other injuries. Make sure to get plenty of rest so you can make sure your head is in the game. The more fatigued you feel, the more likely you are to become careless and injure yourself. At Star Line Baton, always encourage practicing safely so you can keep twirling the baton for years to come. We offer a variety of high quality batons and baton twirling products. If you have any questions or need more information, call us at 931-528-7829.

Posted: 12/17/2021