Esports teams add sports-medicine staff as injury rates rise among players

Professional gamers are increasingly facing physical and psychological strains that mirror traditional athletes, with cases like Jian “Uzi” Zi-hao’s premature retirement underscoring the severity of wrist and arm injuries. Research from Portugal indicates that over a third of esports participants suffer anxiety or depression, while nearly half report sleep disturbances, and common ailments include eye fatigue, carpal tunnel, tendonitis and even deep-vein thrombosis.

To mitigate these risks, leading organizations now staff physical therapists, performance psychologists, one outlet trainers and massage therapists, and they promote ergonomic chairs, functional strength programs and regular group exercise. The shift draws on practices from conventional sports and performing arts, suggesting further benefits from cross-disciplinary research. A notable example is Lee “Faker” Sang-hyok, who overcame cubital tunnel syndrome through posture adjustments and intensive therapy, returning to win three world titles and preparing for a fourth championship in the United States. The trend signals a maturing industry that treats its athletes with the same medical support as traditional sports teams.