Is Muay Thai hard on your body?

Muay Thai, especially at the highest level, is very different from its amateur version, and this is particularly marked in Thailand, where the sport reaches new heights in terms of intensity and competitiveness. Striking techniques are executed with formidable precision and power, greatly increasing the risk of serious injury. Fighters often suffer broken bones, torn muscles, bone bruises, or deep cuts from elbow strikes. Common injuries in Muay Thai are often broken arms. Middle kicks, which violently strike the forearms used to protect the body, are a leading cause. The shin-to-shin exchanges that are characteristic of Muay Thai can also cause open fractures or broken bones. Fractures of the nose, cheekbones, jaw or eye sockets are common due to punches, elbows or knees. Fractured ribs and bruises to internal organs result from violent knee or kick blows directed towards the body. Head knockouts in Muay Thai, as in any combat sport, can leave serious after-effects, especially if repeated. Injuries such as concussions, head trauma, or chronic brain damage can occur, although they are generally less common than in Boxing.