Injuries in gymnastics present many clinical challenges due to the development and maintenance of unique motor skills required in the various events, training protocols that increase as skill levels escalate with no traditional offseason, and the age at which training commences. However, in the current body of literature, there are limited evidence-based return to play (RTP) protocols specific to the unique demands of gymnastics. As such, the purpose of this chapter is to first review the unique demands of gymnastics that must be understood when designing a RTP protocol. Second, we will review general principles of RTP protocols, and how these principles relate to gymnastics. Third, we will go through general guidelines for progressive protocols for injuries to the head/neck (concussion), upper extremity (UE), lumbar spine, and lower extremity (LE) in gymnasts.
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