Physical Therapy Blog

Performance anxiety is an all-too-familiar experience for many artistic athletes, from dancers and gymnasts to competitive cheerleaders. These athletes not only strive to master their craft but also present it to an audience, often under the pressure of exacting standards. While some degree of nervousness is typical, performance anxiety can become debilitating, hindering an athlete's ability to perform at their best. This article explores why performance anxiety is so common among artistic athletes, what symptoms may signal a need for intervention, resources available to them, and practical tips for performing with confidence.

Artistic athletes such as dancers, cheerleaders, and gymnasts often face unique pressures and challenges. Young girls who participate in these sports are often under pressure from various sources, and these disciplines require both physical prowess and aesthetic appeal. Pressure from all sides can sometimes lead to unhealthy behaviors around nutrition. Understanding the effects of malnutrition on these athletes is crucial for their health, performance, and overall well-being. Artistic athletes need a robust support system from family and professionals that can help them stay healthy. At EW Motion Therapy, we consider it a privilege to be part of any athlete’s support system, helping prepare their bodies for the demands of their sport. Even if you decide our services don’t fit your needs, you can still read on to learn more about malnutrition and how artistic athletes can prioritize a balanced diet.

We all had a teacher in school who, for some reason, seemed determined to make their class the opposite of an enjoyable experience. Whether they meant to or not, you could not wait to be done with their class, and you likely still remember the negative impact on your mental health from that semester. Now, picture a gymnast or competitive cheerleader trying to improve in their sport and stay healthy with a coach who acts like that teacher. Doesn’t sound fun anymore, right?

Cheerleading is a captivating blend of athleticism, artistry, and teamwork. Each athlete, whether a base, flyer, backspot, or tumbler, brings unique skills to the table, contributing to the overall success and flair of the team. Tailored training and rehabilitation are crucial for each role to succeed in their unique skill set - we love helping our cheerleaders at EW Motion Therapy keep their bodies strong and able to withstand the skills necessary to excel in their sport. Our physical therapy might not be right for you. However, you can still review this guide as we delve into the specific skills required for each position, the physical demands these athletes face, common injuries, and how physical therapy plays a crucial role in their health, recovery, and performance enhancement. With this information, you can choose which of these roles might be best for your cheer career.

Cheerleading demands a unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and unyielding spirit. It's a sport that requires strength, flexibility, endurance, and an incredible amount of discipline. However, the rigorous training schedules and the physical demands of performances can take a toll on the body and mind of a cheerleader. This is why recovery is an essential aspect of a cheerleader's regimen, not only to enhance performance but also to prevent injuries and ensure a long and healthy career in the sport. We love helping our cheerleaders at EW Motion Therapy meet the demands of their sport and ensuring their bodies and minds are healthy so they can compete at an optimal level. While you may decide that our services don’t fit your needs, you can still read on as we explore the importance of recovery for cheerleaders, offer tips on balancing responsibilities with a training schedule, and highlight professional resources that can aid in a cheerleader's journey to optimal health and peak performance.

Gymnastics is a sport that demands an extraordinary blend of strength, flexibility, balance, and control. To excel, gymnasts must develop a comprehensive fitness regime that complements their training schedule. We love helping our gymnasts at EW Motion Therapy do this through customized exercise programs they can balance with their training, but you may decide that our services don’t fit your needs. You can still read on as we delve into the importance of overall fitness for gymnasts and offer practical workout recommendations. By understanding how to balance a fitness routine with a training schedule, gymnasts can optimize their performance, prevent injuries, and enjoy a fulfilling athletic career.

Cheerleading, a sport that combines athleticism, teamwork, and high-energy performances, is as demanding as it is rewarding. However, the rigorous demands of cheerleading often bring significant stress, impacting both physical performance and mental well-being. While mental health professionals can be invaluable in helping cheerleaders deal with struggles, there are ways other professionals can help, including physical therapists. We love helping our cheerleaders at EW Motion Therapy work through stress and balance their training schedule with rest and social activities. You may decide that our physical therapy isn’t right for you, but you can still read on as we discuss the primary sources of stress for cheerleaders, explore the effects on mental health, and offer practical, healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress effectively.

Wrist injuries are prevalent and can range from mild discomfort to severe impairment, impacting daily activities. Understanding the types of wrist injuries, their causes, severity levels, and the most effective treatment plans is crucial for anyone seeking to maintain wrist health or recover from an injury. Physical therapy is often a vital step in rehabilitation and pain management - we love helping our clients at EW Motion Therapy recover from injuries and return to their favorite activities. You may decide that our physical therapy isn’t right for you, but through this comprehensive review, we aim to provide a deep understanding of common wrist injuries, helping you make well-informed decisions about their care and treatment.

Cheerleading is a vibrant and dynamic sport that combines athleticism, teamwork, and spirit. Whether you're captivated by the exhilarating flips and stunts or the crowd’s infectious energy, getting started in cheerleading is an exciting journey. But it can feel overwhelming to choose the right program for your goals and prepare yourself to take on such a demanding sport. We love working with our cheerleaders at EW Motion Therapy to help their bodies hold up to the demands of their skills so they can continue to progress. While you may decide that our services do not fit your needs, you can still read on as we aim to guide you in selecting the right cheer program and preparing yourself physically and mentally.