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.

H.G. Wells once said, “We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment is a miracle and a mystery.” It’s easy to get caught up in our day-to-day routine and come to feel that our lives are mundane. But have you ever had a moment in life when you stopped and realized how special it was? Whether you work in an office, on a construction site, or are in the medical field, whatever you’re doing has a purpose and a plan that is far beyond the ordinary.

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?

Competitive cheerleading is a dynamic and demanding sport that requires not just physical strength and agility but also a strong mental game. It's an activity that combines elements of gymnastics, dance, and teamwork, all choreographed to create an enthralling performance. In such a high-stakes environment, setting realistic goals is paramount. It helps athletes focus their efforts, improve performance, and maintain motivation. In this guide, we delve into the process of goal-setting for competitive cheerleaders, providing insights on establishing achievable objectives, preparing both mentally and physically before competitions, and revisiting goals post-competition.

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.

Competitive cheerleading has evolved into a dynamic and demanding sport, captivating participants and spectators alike with its blend of athleticism, performance art, and team synergy. If you're considering joining a competitive cheer team, it's essential to understand the financial commitment involved. This guide delves into the average costs associated with being on a competitive cheer team, including equipment, membership fees, and other expenses. We'll also explore the factors influencing these costs and provide practical tips for budgeting effectively. At EW Motion Therapy, our goal is to equip all our patients with the knowledge to make an informed decision about their care. Even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, this is what we want for you as well: to make an informed decision about your budget, so that your cheer experience is both rewarding and financially manageable.

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.

Flexibility, often associated with images of yogis twisting into pretzel-like poses or athletes bending effortlessly, is critical to physical health and wellness. It's not just about achieving impressive stretches; it's a vital component of our daily lives, influencing how we move, our susceptibility to injuries, and our overall physical capabilities. We love helping our clients at EW Motion Therapy increase flexibility, whether they are a gymnast or a grandmother wanting to join her grandkids in their favorite activities. Even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, you can still read on as we dive into the science behind flexibility, understand the factors influencing it, and explore ways to enhance it, including the role of physical therapy.

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.