Physical Therapy Blog

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.

EW Motion Therapy has been serving the greater Birmingham area since 1999, and we are proud of our legacy as a company. We have helped thousands of patients/clients reach their goals, and we consider it a privilege to do this every single day at our six clinics. But I’m sure you’re wondering: who are the people behind this whole operation? How did the company start? Well, sit back and relax, grab a cold drink, and I will tell you the entire story.

When you are looking for a cheerleading gym for yourself or your child, it can be challenging to narrow down your options. Many communities have multiple options for cheer, and Birmingham is no exception. Our city has a thriving cheerleading community with many nationally-ranked competition teams. With so many choices of gyms in the area, how do you decide which one to join for your or your child’s cheer career?

Cheerleading is a vibrant and dynamic sport that combines athleticism, teamwork, and spirit. Whether you're captivated by the exhilarating flips and stunts or the crowd’s infectious energy, getting started in cheerleading is an exciting journey. But it can feel overwhelming to choose the right program for your goals and prepare yourself to take on such a demanding sport. We love working with our cheerleaders at EW Motion Therapy to help their bodies hold up to the demands of their skills so they can continue to progress. While you may decide that our services do not fit your needs, you can still read on as we aim to guide you in selecting the right cheer program and preparing yourself physically and mentally.