The physical demands of practice, performances and competitions for gymnasts, dancers and cheerleaders can lead to various types of injuries, including those from overuse or due to falls or bad landings. The team of experienced physical and occupational therapists at Memorial Hermann | Rockets Orthopedics offers specialized rehabilitation services to help these athletes get the care they need to quickly return them to their sport.
Understanding Unique Challenges
As former gymnasts, dancers and cheerleaders themselves, these physical and occupational therapists provide personalized, evidence-based care and understand the unique challenges that injuries related to performance sports can bring. Younger athletes, for instance, face a higher risk of unique injuries due to their open growth plates and growth spurts.
Armed with personal and professional experience, as well as specialized training and certifications in sports medicine or orthopedics, physical therapy and gymnastics medicine, the Memorial Hermann | Rockets Orthopedics therapy team treats the following:
- Spondylolysis, from a weakness or a stress fracture of the vertebrae of the lower spine
- Spondylolisthesis, the shifting of the vertebrae in the lower spine
- Back strain
- Gymnast's wrist
- Ulnar cruciate ligament (UCL) injury of the elbow
- Elbow pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Hip dysplasia
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury of the knee
- Achilles injury
- Ankle sprain
- Fractures
- Discogenic conditions that affect the cushion-like discs between the vertebrae
Additionally, the therapy team works closely with Memorial Hermann affiliated orthopedic surgeons, as well as coaches, athletic trainers and parents, to determine the best treatment options for competitive athletes looking to quickly heal and return to their sports activities. This interconnectivity among the athletes’ network tends to drive better outcomes and allow for a quicker return to sport.
Memorial Hermann | Rockets Orthopedics offers Advanced Interdisciplinary Programs for injuries to the knee, hip, spine and upper extremities for people of all ages. Gymnasts, dancers and cheerleaders benefit from this evidence-based approach, which uses research—some conducted at Memorial Hermann—to inform treatment decisions and optimize outcomes.
What to Expect
Whether you are referred to us by one of our affiliated orthopedic surgeons or make an appointment directly with us, as permitted through Texas’ direct access provision, you will undergo a thorough, sport-specific analysis with one of our specialized physical therapists at our Rockets Sports Medicine Institute locations throughout Greater Houston.
This evaluation will help pinpoint the cause of the injury and take your personal health history and training regimen into consideration when developing your personalized rehabilitation plan. Your plan may include any of the following:
- Sport-specific conditioning and strengthening exercises
- Activities to improve mechanics and regain pain-free range of motion
- Manual therapy to reduce pain
- Dry needling
- Performance splinting or bracing
- Safe reintegration into sport
- Nutrition optimization with a dietitian
It's important to note that direct access to our program has a mandated length of time and any extended treatment will require a referral from a physician. If an injury requires a higher level of care, we will refer athletes to an affiliated orthopedic specialist.
Commitment Beyond Our Clinics
The therapists from Memorial Hermann | Rockets Orthopedics who specialize in treating injuries from gymnastics, dance and cheerleading also work within the community to educate athletes and coaches about strength training, mechanics, concussion protocols, nutrition optimization and other techniques to reduce injury risks. They also partner with private clubs and schools to provide sports-specific screenings.
Gymnasts, dancers and cheerleaders require specialized treatment for injuries specific to their respective sport. Memorial Hermann | Rockets Orthopedics has experienced and specially trained physical therapists ready to evaluate your injury, create a treatment plan and get you back to your sport as quickly and safely as possible. To schedule an appointment, call (713) 984-6720.