Introduction
In the dynamic and demanding world of competitive sports, gymnasts face unique challenges and physical demands. This is precisely why treating gymnasts requires a specialized approach tailored to their needs. Dr. Samantha Shively, a former competitive gymnast and currently a Sports Performance Physical Therapist at Fick Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, offers her invaluable insights into why gymnasts necessitate customized physical therapy interventions.
My Background in Gymnastics
Growing up as a Level 10 and collegiate gymnast, I dedicated countless hours to the gym, striving for perfection, progress, and mastering elaborate skills. Gymnastics instilled in me discipline, resilience, and the ability to push my body to its limits. However, it also introduced me to injuries far earlier than I would have preferred.
Living the Reality of “Training Through Pain”
In the realm of competitive gymnastics, aches and pains often become normalized. I trained and competed with a torn labrum in my shoulder, endured multiple ankle sprains, and managed various other aches and pains. At the time, these injuries seemed like obstacles I had to navigate to continue training. In hindsight, they laid the foundation for my current practice in physical therapy.
From Injured Gymnast to Physical Therapist
It wasn’t until later, during my physical therapy studies, that everything began to make sense. I finally understood why my ankles frequently sprained, why my knee pain intensified during growth spurts or increased training, and why my shoulder never felt truly stable despite being “strong.”
“Rehabilitation must be as unique as the sport itself.”
Traditional rehab often centered on isolated strength or pain reduction, neglecting the demands of tumbling, landing, swinging, or the relentless training of multiple events week after week. Discovering a sport-specific physical therapist transformed my understanding and approach.
How My Background Shapes My Approach to PT
Today, when I work with gymnasts, I don’t merely see an injury—I see the entire sport behind it. My background as a Level 10 and collegiate gymnast empowers me to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and authentic gymnastics training.
- Developing strength and stability at the end ranges of motion
- Ensuring proper landing mechanics and impact management
- Facilitating a progressive return to skills, beyond just basic exercises
- Emphasizing long-term injury prevention and sport longevity
I understand firsthand that gymnasts don’t need generic rehab—they need care that respects the sport and their personal goals.
Why This Matters for Gymnasts and Parents
If you’re a gymnast grappling with recurring injuries or a parent questioning whether pain is “just part of the sport,” it’s crucial to recognize this: Pain may be common in gymnastics, but it shouldn’t be ignored or accepted as normal. My experiences as an injured gymnast fuel my passion for helping athletes not only return to the gym but do so in a healthier and more sustainable manner.
Returning to the Floor With Confidence
Pain and recurring injuries don’t have to be accepted as “just part of gymnastics.” With the right evaluation, sport-specific rehabilitation, and a thoughtful return-to-training plan, gymnasts can heal fully, rebuild their confidence, and continue progressing safely in their sport.
The physical therapy specialists at Fick Physical Therapy and Sports Performance in Highlands Ranch, CO, collaborate closely with gymnasts of all levels to address the unique demands of gymnastics. We provide comprehensive injury evaluations, individualized rehabilitation programs, progressive return-to-skill training, and long-term injury prevention strategies designed to support performance and longevity in the sport.
Don’t let ongoing pain, recurring injuries, or uncertainty about returning to training hold you back. Call us today at (720) 480-2866 to schedule your evaluation. Our physical therapists will identify the root cause of your injury, address movement and strength deficits specific to gymnastics, and help create a plan that gets you back on the floor stronger, safer, and more confident than before.
