Here’s a must read http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-and-Prevent-a-Rip-in-Gymnastics.
You need to take care of your hands or, like me this week, you will get a nasty tear. Nothing cool about a tear. It’s not a badge of honor, it makes your training suck for the next week or so.
Another tool not mentioned here is the ped egg. This little thing is awesome. http://kayo8.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/ped-egg.jpg
the ped egg works awesome. I have one. I like to leave my tears open, but i’ll put fish oil or Vitamin E on it to keep it soft (less painful) and this speeds up the healing process as well.