Gymnastics and Cheer Physical Therapy in Chardon, OH
Gymnasts and cheerleaders need more than "just rest."
Your wrists hurt on handsprings. Your back aches when you arch for a walkover or a back tuck. Your ankle is sore from landings, or your shoulder hurts holding a flyer. Meets, competitions, and game days don't wait, and most providers don't understand what your sport asks of your body.
You deserve care from a provider who understands your sport, and a plan that keeps you training.
We know how frustrating this is
Gymnasts and cheerleaders often push through pain because stopping feels like falling behind. That's why the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Chardon Performance Therapy start by listening to your goals, your training schedule, and your skills, and when it helps, to your parents and coaches.
We've helped thousands of active people, including young athletes from across Geauga and Lake County, regain confidence, strength, and control.
What we help gymnasts and cheerleaders with
Wrist pain from tumbling and handstands
Low back pain with arching and back walkovers
Ankle sprains and landing injuries
Shoulder pain from stunting, bases, and bars
Knee pain from landings
Hypermobility and joint instability
Return to tumbling after injury
How it works
1. Share your story. Your initial assessment is a 75-minute, one-on-one visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We learn your skills, your training schedule, your goals, and your injury history.
2. Get a comprehensive care plan. We check flexibility, strength, balance, and how you land, including VALD force plate and dynamometry testing. Then we explain what we find in clear, simple language.
3. Work with an accountable guide. Your follow-up sessions are a full hour, one-on-one. We use hands-on care, dry needling when it helps, and a strength and control program built for tumbling and stunting, so you can train hard with confidence.
Strength matters as much as flexibility
Gymnasts and cheerleaders are usually very flexible, and many are hypermobile. That makes strength and control even more important for protecting joints during landings, tumbling, and stunts. We help you build the strength to match your flexibility.
What our clients say
"I've been some variation of an athlete for most of my life. A gymnast, a soccer player, a cheerleader, a weight lifter. I was diagnosed with hypermobility as an adult, which explained a lot of my athletic difficulty in my youth."
Angel J. ★★★★★
"Always so pleasant! Megan is the sweetest. She helped my daughter in so many ways! Definitely recommend."
Suny V. ★★★★★
"Chardon Performance Therapy helped my daughter feel better and the therapist was very helpful and easy going."
Joelle D. ★★★★★
Rated 5.0 stars from 253 Google reviews.
Don't stay stuck
If you keep training through pain, a small problem can become a long layoff right before the meet or competition that matters most. Let's keep you in the gym.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio law lets you see a physical therapist directly, without a referral.
How long are the sessions?
Your initial assessment is 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, always one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Do you take insurance?
We're out of network with all insurance companies. We accept HSA and FSA cards, and many clients are reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits. We'll walk you through your options on a quick call.
Do I have to stop training?
Not always. Many athletes can keep training with some changes while they recover. We'll give you a clear plan for what's safe.
Can you work with my coach?
Yes. With your permission, we're happy to share recommendations so your training and your rehab work together.
Is back pain with arching normal?
No. Low back pain that hurts when you arch, especially in a young athlete, can be a sign of a stress injury in the spine. We'll screen for it and help you see a physician if you need imaging.
When should I see a doctor instead?
If back pain with arching lasts more than a couple of weeks, you have pain in one spot on a bone, can't put weight on a foot or bear weight on a wrist, or a joint looks deformed, see a physician right away.
More from our clinic: Side Plank Elevated for Core and Hip Control (video) · Side Plank with Leg Lift for Hip Stability (video) · Balance and Reaction Training (video)
Serving Chardon and Northeast Ohio
Our clinic is at 520 5th Ave in downtown Chardon. Athletes and families come to us from Chesterland, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, Eastlake, Willoughby, Pepper Pike, Cleveland Heights, and across Geauga and Lake County.