# Gymnastics Medicine

> All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention

## Pages

- [Home](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/index.md): A Nonprofit Empowering the Gymnastics Community — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention.
- [ACL tears and the gymnast – why treating sooner rather than later is key](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/acl-tears-and-the-gymnast-why-treating-sooner-rather-than-later-is-key.md): Athletic Trainer Jamie Broz on why early attention to the ACL is critical in gymnastics. ACL tears are often thought of in the preparation for a competition…
- [Ankle rehabilitation in gymnastics](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/ankle-rehabilitation-in-gymnastics.md): Gymnastics Medicine physical therapist Dr. Kaysha Bates with ankle strengthening exercises for the gymnast In gymnastics, the ankle is the most commonly…
- [Back pain in gymnastics](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/back-pain-in-gymnastics.md): Gymnastics Medicine founder Dr. Elly Hart on what to do if you are experiencing back pain in gymnastics. Back pain is NOT normal for any gymnast or athlete to…
- [‘Back to the Roofs’ – Gymnastics Medicine at the European Championships](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/back-to-the-roofs-gymnastics-medicine-at-the-european-championships.md): Gymnastics Medicine PT Liz Melvin at the 2022 European Gymnastics Championships in Munich, Germany. Back in August, Board Member Liz was a physiotherapist…
- [Beam Queen Bootcamp and Gymnastics Medicine!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/beam_queen_bootcamp.md): Gymnastics Medicine teams up with Beam Queen Bootcamp! In August 2021, Dr. Elly Hart was a guest clinician at Samantha Peszek’s Beam Queen Bootcamp in Danbury,…
- [Below the Knee](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/below-the-knee.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Blog](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/blog.md): Practical, plain-language articles for gymnasts, parents, coaches, and medical providers.
- [Gymnastics Medicine Research](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/blog_research.md): Dr. Emily Sweeney publishes new research in collegiate gymnastics. Dr. Emily Sweeney has participated in a long list of gymnastics related research. This year,…
- [Sports Medicine and the new Center for the Female Athlete](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/center_for_female_athlete.md): The new Center for the Female Athlete in Dayton Children’s, Ohio. In 2021, Gymnastics Medicine athletic trainer Jamie Broz, helped create the new Center for…
- [Become Certified](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/certification.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Certified Providers](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/certified-providers.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Certified Providers (Canada)](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/certified-providers-canada.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Certified Providers (USA)](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/certified-providersusa.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [How to navigate colds and flu during the season](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/colds-and-flu.md): When cold and flu season coincides with gymnastics season: what gymnasts can do to help get themselves through it
- [Common Gymnastics Injuries By Dr. Emily Sweeney](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/common-gymnastics-injuries-by-dr-emily-sweeney.md): Ankle sprains and knee injuries, such as meniscus and ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears, are the most common gymnastics injuries overall, however, the…
- [Concussion, Head/Neck, and Other](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/concussion-head-neck-and-other.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [New concussion and sports medicine clinic in Des Moines, IA](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/concussion_clinic.md): Dr. Bauman opens a new concussion and sports medicine clinic Gymnastics Medicine MD, Dr. Shannon Bauman, is opening a new medical practice on Jan 4th, 2022 in…
- [Contact](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/contact.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Curating the Perfect Gymnastics Nutrition Professional By Kerry Bair, RD, LDN, MPH](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/curating-the-perfect-gymnastics-nutrition-professional-by-kerry-bair-rd-ldn-mph.md): Between family members, coaches, and medical professionals, it takes a village to keep a gymnast happy, healthy, and performing at their best. Every gymnast…
- [Donate](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/donate.md): Support Gymnastics Medicine's work in gymnastics injury education, research, and prevention.
- [Dr Emily Sweeney receives research grant for spondylolysis study.](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/dr-emily-sweeney-receives-research-grant-for-spondylolysis-study.md): Gymnastics Medicine Sports Medicine MD, Dr. Emily Sweeney, was recently awarded research funding by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM)…
- [Eating disorders and the sport of gymnastics: Warning signs and prevention](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/eating-disorders-and-the-sport-of-gymnastics-warning-signs-and-prevention.md): Gymnastics mind-set coach Ariana LeBlanc on the warning signs of eating disorders in athletes. Eating disorders are very serious mental illnesses that also…
- [Eating for the Win: Three Tips For Fueling With Pre-Competition Nerves](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/eating-for-the-win-three-tips-for-fueling-with-pre-competition-nerves.md): Kerry Bair RD on strategies to help gymnasts who struggle to eat due to nerves before competitions. Competition day as a high level gymnast can be both…
- [Elbow](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/elbow.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Events](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/events.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Finding Balance without the Beam: Transitioning to Medical School After Gymnastics](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/finding-balance-without-the-beam-transitioning-to-medical-school-after-gymnastics.md): Student group board member and graduate student Maggie Tamburro on the struggles faced after retirement from gymnastics, and how the skills learned were…
- [Four reasons why gymnasts struggle through summer training and four things you can do to help](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/four-reasons-why-gymnasts-struggle-through-summer-training-and-four-things-you-can-do-to-help.md): Kerry Bair RD on reasons why gymnasts may be underfuled during summer training, and what you can do to help. Picture this: Summer training has just begun. Your…
- [The Fueled Gymnast Academy](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/fueled_gymnast_academy.md): Kerry Bair RD and the Fueled Gymnast Academy Our Gymnastics Medicine Registered Dietician Kerry Bair provides expert nutritional advice to gymnasts of all ages…
- [Fueling Success: Breakfast Strategies to Conquer Pre-Meet Nerves](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/fueling-success-breakfast-strategies-to-conquer-pre-meet-nerves.md): Registered Dietitian Kerry Bair on how skipping breakfast is the one consistent mistake that can undermine all your hard work this season.
- [Getting the most out of stretching](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/getting-the-most-out-of-stretching.md): Stretching is a buzz word we hear all around the gym. Athletes and coaches saying: ‘I need to “stretch” more’, ‘I’m not “flexible” enough’, ‘I am “tight”…
- [Goal Setting for Gymnasts: A Roadmap for Success](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/goal-setting-for-gymnasts-a-roadmap-for-success.md): Goal setting is a powerful tool that can help gymnasts take control of their training and stay motivated. Mental Performance Coach Natalie explains how to do this and why it is important for gymnasts.
- [Gymnastics and Concussions: A Retrospective Chart Review](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/gymnastics-and-concussions-a-retrospective-chart-review.md): Gymnastics Medicine founder Dr. Elly Hart and her colleagues at Boston Children’s Hospital published a new paper on concussion in gymnastics. Concussions can…
- [Gymnastics Medicine 2021: Grand Rounds, Annual Symposium and more!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/gymnastics-medicine-2021-grand-rounds-annual-symposium-and-more.md): Gymnastics Medicine in 2021 What a year 2021 has been for Gymnastics Medicine! During its inaugural year, Gymnastics Medicine delivered nine educational grand…
- [Gymnastics Medicine at Level 9 Eastern Championships!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/gymnastics-medicine-at-level-9-eastern-championships.md): Gymnastics Medicine can be found at the trademark pink table! This year’s Level 9 Eastern Championships were held in Rochester, NY from May 5 th – 8 th 2022.…
- [Gymnastics Medicine at USAG National Congress!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/gymnastics-medicine-at-usag-national-congress.md): USA Gymnastics National Congress 2022 and Gymnastics Medicine USA Gymnastics National Congress will be held from August 18 th – 21 st in Tampa, Florida. Some…
- [Gymnastics Medicine behind the scenes at RENT!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/gymnastics-medicine-behind-the-scenes-at-rent.md): Dr Alyssa Herrera-Set DPT on what it’s like to work backstage at Broadway musicals! ‘One of my favorite work opportunities as a physical therapist is working…
- [Gymnastics Medicine forms partnership with Gotham Gymnastics](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/gymnastics-medicine-forms-partnership-with-gotham-gymnastics.md): Gymnastics Medicine has been selected as part of Gotham Gymnastics’ advisory board (pictured) in New York City. Gymnastics Medicine is pleased to announce that…
- [Gymnastics Medicine in American Ninja Warrior!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/gymnastics-medicine-in-american-ninja-warrior.md): Gymnastics Medicine’s Dr. Elly Hart on Season 14 of American Ninja Warrior! Our very own Dr. Elspeth (Elly) Hart recently competed on the TV show ‘American…
- [Gymnastics Medicine Inaugural Educational Event](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/gymnastics-medicine-inaugural-educational-event.md): Join Us on April 11th for a FREE Virtual Grand Rounds Event! Gymnastics Medicine is hosting our first Grand Rounds educational event on April 11, 2021, from…
- [Gymnastics Medicine tank tops and leotards now available!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/gymnastics-medicine-tank-tops-and-leotards-now-available.md): Gymnastics Medicine’s Leotard and Tank Top collection in partnership with Plum Practicewear! Our sponsors Plum Practicewear have designed Gymnastics Medicine…
- [Gymnastics Medicine’s 4th Annual Symposium!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/gymnastics-medicines-4th-annual-symposium.md): Gymnastics Medicine’s Annual Symposium in 2018. This year we are delighted to be returning to an in-person format in Boston MA. Gymnastics Medicine: Education…
- [Gymnastics Medicine’s 5th annual symposium!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/gymnastics-medicines-5th-annual-symposium.md): Gymnastics Medicine’s 5th annual symposium Gymnastics Medicine: Education and Research held it 5 th annual symposium at Boston Children’s Hospital on October…
- [Hip](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/hip.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [History](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/history.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [How to work with a PT that doesn’t know gymnastics](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/how-to-work-with-a-pt-that-doesnt-know-gymnastics.md): Gymnastics Medicine PT Dr. Alyssa Herrera-Set on how you can help your PT better understand the sport of gymnastics The best way to return to gymnastics after…
- [Injury Prevention Tips for Competitive Gymnasts: A Sit-Down With Gymnastics Medicine Expert, Dr. Elly Hart](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/injury-prevention-tips-for-competitive-gymnasts-a-sit-down-with-gymnastics-medicine-expert-dr-elly-hart.md): Gymnastics Medicine Founder Dr. Elly Hart with some top tips on staying healthy this season. 1. What are your qualifications as a medical professional? Dr.…
- [Is summer a good time for a break?](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/is-summer-a-good-time-for-a-break.md): Physical Therapist Dr Alyssa Herrera-Set on why one of the best things you can do this summer is take a break. Summer is usually time for a break from school –…
- [Knee](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/knee.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Launch Letter Gymnastics Medicine](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/launch-letter-gymnastics-medicine-education-and-research.md): Dear Gymnasts, Parents, Coaches, and Medical Providers, Welcome to the Nonprofit Gymnastics Medicine. We are a group of gymnasts, parents, coaches, and medical…
- [Leadership](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/leadership.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Gymnastics Medicine’s Medical Certification: Cycle 1 complete!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/medicalcertification.md): The Gymnastics Medicine Medical Provider Certification is officially underway, with cycle 1 now complete!
- [Meet Our Founder With a lot of “Hart”; Dr. Elspeth (Elly) Hart](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/meet-our-founder-with-a-lot-of-hart-dr-elspeth-elly-hart.md): At Gymnastics Medicine, we build on the pillars of education and our love of the sport. Everything we do here wouldn’t be possible without guidance from our…
- [Mental Blocks: A guide for gymnasts, parents, and coaches.](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/mental-blocks-a-guide-for-gymnasts-parents-and-coaches.md): Gymnastics mind-set coach Ariana LeBlanc on what it means to have a mental block and how you can help. Mental blocks are one of the most frustrating things in…
- [Movement Screens for Gymnasts: gymSAFE](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/movement_screens_gymnasts.md): Catch up with Dr. Alyssa Herrera-Set DPT and the gymSAFE movement screen developed especially for gymnasts. In 2021, Gymnastics Medicine PT Dr Alyssa…
- [“My heels hurt!” Managing Calcaneal Apophysitis](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/my-heels-hurt-managing-calcaneal-apophysitis.md): Podiatrist Dr. Tenaya West on what causes heel pain in gymnasts, and how you can manage it. Calcaneal apophysitis, commonly known as Sever’s disease, is a…
- [National Athletic Training Month!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/national-athletic-training-month.md): Gymnastics Medicine Athletic Trainer Jamie Broz on the role athletic trainers play in the sports medicine environment. Get to know your athletic trainer: It’s…
- [Optimizing Recovery: Nutrition Tips for Gymnasts After Competition Season](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/optimizing-recovery-nutrition-tips-for-gymnasts-after-competition-season.md): Ready for upgrade season? Don't let nutrition errors hold you back!
- [Gymnastics Medicine at the Junior Pan American Games!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/panams-2021.md): Dr. Elly Hart at the 2021 Junior Pan American Games Gymnastics Medicine founder, Dr. Elly Hart, was the USA Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) medical provider…
- [Negociating the challenges of the season: Perspectives of a college gymnast](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/perspectives_college_gymnast.md): College gymnast, Sarah Brownstein, on how she approaches the demands of combining academics with college gymnastics.
- [Preventing burnout in young athletes.](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/preventing-burnout-in-young-athletes.md): Athletic Trainer Jamie Broz explains how to spot the signs of burnout and some strategies to counteract it. As this season comes to an end, it may feel a…
- [Event Recordings](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/recording.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Reflection of the Season](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/reflection-of-the-season-april-2025.md): Mind-set coach Ariana LeBlanc reflects on the latest gymnastics competition season.
- [Research](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/research.md): Peer-reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, textbook chapters, webinars, and podcasts on gymnastics-specific injuries and care.
- [Rip Care 101: While In (and Out) of Season](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/rip-care-101-while-in-and-out-of-season.md): Physical Therapist Dr. Ezara Greene on the dos and don’ts of rip care in gymnastics. Gymnasts! How do you look after those pesky rips? Yes, they can be hard to…
- [Should gymnasts lift weights?](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/should-gymnasts-lift-weights.md): PT Dr. Jenny Borda talks about her experience with weightlifting and the benefits in gymnastics Should gymnasts lift weights? So, I will start by saying when I…
- [Shoulder](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/shoulder.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Six mental strategies to compete your best this season](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/six-mental-strategies-to-compete-your-best-this-season.md): Is your mental performance holding you back at meets? Try these top six strategies from mind-set coach Ariana LeBlanc!
- [Soreness and Pain – Know the Difference! By Dr. Emily Sweeney](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/soreness-and-pain-know-the-difference-by-dr-emily-sweeney.md): Soreness and pain can be difficult to distinguish, especially for our younger gymnasts. However, there are a few things to consider: soreness typically occurs…
- [Spine](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/spine.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Student Group](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/studentgroup.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Summer camps: is it an injury or just muscle soreness?](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/summer-camps-is-it-an-injury-or-just-muscle-soreness.md): Is it an injury or just muscle soreness? Certified Athletic Trainer Jamie Broz explains more. Summer camps are an exciting opportunity for kids to meet other…
- [Symposium 2025](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/symposium-2025-medical.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention
- [Symposium 2026](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/symposium-2026.md): 8th Annual Gymnastics Medicine Symposium — October 4–5, 2026, Boston & Newton, MA.
- [The Importance of Hydration (And 5 Tips to Help You Stay Hydrated)](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/the-importance-of-hydration-and-5-tips-to-help-you-stay-hydrated.md): Registered Dietitian Kerry Bair talks about the key to staying hydrated this summer. I bet you have heard over and over again how important it is to stay…
- [The Link Between Mental Blocks and Under Fueling](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/the-link-between-mental-blocks-and-under-fueling.md): Kerry Bair RD on how nutrition could be influencing your mental performace in gymnastics. One of the most frustrating things to deal with in gymnastics are…
- [The Most Common Fueling Mistakes Gymnasts Make Before A Competition](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/the-most-common-fueling-mistakes-gymnasts-make-before-a-competition.md): Kerry Bair RD on common fueling mistakes gymnasts make before competition As a competitive gymnast, competition season is your time to shine! You want to show…
- [The Top 3 Physical Therapy Exercises for Gymnasts By Dr. Alyssa Herrera-Set](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/the-top-3-physical-therapy-exercises-for-gymnasts-by-dr-alyssa-herrera-set.md): Every gymnast is unique. The most important exercises that every gymnast should do are the exercises that address that specific gymnast’s weaknesses. If I had…
- [Three ways to transition your fueling strategy into the off season](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/three-ways-to-transition-your-fueling-strategy-into-the-off-season.md): Registered Dietitian Kerry Bair explains how to transition your fueling plan into the off-season For many gymnasts, the 2022 competition season is coming to a…
- [Too hot to handle: heat injury and illness in gymnastics.](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/too-hot-to-handle-what-happens-when-it-becomes-too-hot-in-the-gym.md): What happens when it gets too hot in the gym? Dr. Elly Hart explains what to look out for in your gymnasts. With temperatures on the rise this summer,…
- [Gymnastics Medicine at the 2022 US Gymnastics Championships!](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/usgymnasticschampionships.md): Gymnastics Medicine on the floor at the 2022 US Gymnastics Championships, Amalie Arena, Tampa FL. Board Members Elly Hart, Elizabeth Melvin, and Emily Sweeney…
- [What to ask your physical therapist to get the most out of your appointment.](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/what-to-ask-your-physical-therapist-to-get-the-most-our-of-your-appointment.md): Sometimes getting the best physical therapy care is dependent on the questions you ask.   Here are some questions you can ask your physical therapist during your appointment.
- [When it matters most: the role of mental skills in gymnastics performance.](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/when-it-matters-most-the-role-of-mental-skills-in-gymnastics-performance.md): When It Matters Most. You have been training unbelievably hard for this moment. It’s the chance to show everyone all you have to offer. To make your gym, your…
- [Working as a PT in the gym.](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/working-as-a-pt-in-the-gym.md): Dr. Kaysha Bates on what it is like to work as a PT in the unique setting of a gymnastics gym. Working as a physical therapist in a gym looks quite different…
- [Wrist](https://gymnasticsmedicine.org/wrist.md): Gymnastics Medicine — All Around Injury Education, Research + Prevention