Author: Dr. Charles Baldi PT, DPT

Gymnastics competition season is an exciting time—full of meets, goal-setting, and opportunities to showcase hard-earned skills. But it’s also a period when training intensity, repetition, and stress on the body increase significantly. For young gymnasts who are still growing, staying healthy during competition season is just as important as perfecting routines. With the right balance READ MORE

Anterior knee pain is known by many names including Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), chondromalacia Patella, or a “bum knee.” It is a common issue that is often felt as a dull ache or discomfort around the front or side of the kneecap. For gymnasts it often limits tumbling and vaulting and can also worsen with READ MORE

Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common shoulder issues seen in athletes—especially those involved in throwing, swimming, weightlifting, tennis, and gymnastics. What may start as a mild ache or shoulder fatigue can progress into sharp pain, weakness, or decreased stability that disrupts both training and daily activity. Understanding how the rotator cuff works, READ MORE

Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful injury among athletes involved in high-impact activities like running, gymnastics, basketball, and cheerleading. It often begins as a dull ache in the arch of the foot or under the heel but can progress to sharp pain that limits training and performance. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and strategies for READ MORE

Understanding Shin Splints in Running, Gymnastics and Sports Shin splints are one of the most common injuries seen in athletes, particularly those involved in high-impact sports like running, gymnastics and basketball. While they often start as a minor ache, shin splints can quickly progress to impacting performance and turning into a stress fracture if not READ MORE

Signs of Referred Shoulder Pain If I had a nickel for every time I fixed someone’s shoulder pain in just two visits after they’d seen multiple clinicians for over a year with no improvement, I’d have 10 cents. But still—twice? That’s wild. And in both cases, the same mistake had been made: they were being READ MORE

Lower back pain is a common issue among gymnasts, cheerleaders, and athletes who perform repeated lifting, leaning, and twisting. Movements that require spinal hyperextension such as back handsprings and walkovers, and skills that place a lot of force through the spine such as landings and rebounds place significant stress on the lower back. Understanding how READ MORE

Knee injuries are a major concern for gymnasts, cheerleaders, and athletes involved in high-impact sports. The constant jumping, landing, and rapid changes in direction put immense strain on the knees, increasing the risk of conditions like ACL injuries, patellar tendonitis, and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Understanding how to prevent and manage knee injuries is essential for READ MORE

Wrist and elbow pain are common issues for gymnasts, cheerleaders, and other athletes who rely on upper body strength for weight-bearing skills. From handstands to vaulting and tumbling, the repeated impact and strain on these joints can lead to discomfort and injury. Understanding how to prevent and manage wrist and elbow pain is essential for READ MORE

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries among gymnasts, cheerleaders, and athletes who engage in high-impact movements. Whether landing a tumbling pass, dismounting from the beam, or making a quick pivot in a game, the ankle is a common weak point for injury. Understanding how to prevent and properly treat an ankle sprain READ MORE