top of page
cheer.avif

CHEERLEADING INJURIES & REHABILITATION

Cheerleading Injuries Treatment, Rehabilitation & Prevention

Expert Care for Cheer Athletes at Back In Action

 

Cheerleading is one of the most physically demanding and injury-prone youth sports, combining gymnastics, acrobatics, lifts, and high-velocity landings. Despite its athletic intensity, cheerleading injuries are often under-recognized and under treated leading to chronic pain, repeat injuries, and early burnout.

 

At Back In Action, we specialize in cheerleading injury rehabilitation, concussion care, and injury prevention, led by Dr. Scott Christie, a recognized expert in cheerleading biomechanics, sport science, and rehabilitation.

DSP_2016Na_C1_6246-X4.jpg
Soft Blue Sky

Why Cheerleading Injuries Require Specialized Rehabilitation

Cheerleading places unique biomechanical demands on the body that standard rehabilitation often fails to address.

Key Injury Risk Factors in Cheerleading

  • Repetitive jumping, tumbling, and hard landings

  • Overhead lifting and catching forces

  • High-risk stunts and pyramids

  • Fatigue during long practices

  • Early sport specialization and overtraining

  • Inadequate strength, balance, and neuromuscular control


Unlike traditional team sports, cheerleading injuries frequently occur during practice, not competition making rehabilitation and prevention programs critical.
 

Back In Action’s cheerleading rehabilitation programs focus on:
✔ Full-body kinetic chain assessment
✔ Neuromuscular control and landing mechanics
✔ Strength, mobility, and balance restoration
✔ Sport-specific return-to-cheer protocols

Most Common Cheerleading Injuries

Leg Measurement Assessment
  • Ankle sprains (most common cheer injury)

  • Chronic ankle instability

  • Peroneal tendon injuries

Leg Therapy Session
  • ACL strains or tears

  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome

  • Meniscus injuries

Hands in Care
  • Wrist sprains and fractures

  • Gymnast’s wrist (distal radial physeal stress injury)

  • Elbow hyperextension injuries

Shoulder Treatment
  • Shoulder instability

  • Rotator cuff strain

  • Labral injuries

Chiropractic Neck Adjustment
  • Cervical strain

  • Thoracic spine dysfunction

  • Lumbar stress injuries

laurenconcussion.jpeg
  • One of the most serious cheerleading injuries

  • Often underreported

Arm Brace Adjustment
  • Stress fractures

  • Tendinitis (Achilles, patellar)

  • Growth plate injuries in youth athletes

Soft Blue Sky

Cheerleading Injury Treatment at Back In Action

Cheerleading injuries affect both the upper and lower body, as well as the head and spine.

Our treatment approach goes beyond pain relief we restore function, performance, and long-term resilience.


Comprehensive Injury Assessment

  • Full biomechanical evaluation

  • Movement and landing analysis

  • Neurological and concussion screening

  • Sport-specific risk identification


Evidence-Based Treatment Methods

  • Targeted rehabilitation exercises

  • Manual therapy and joint mobilization

  • Neuromuscular re-education

  • Balance and proprioceptive training

  • Progressive return-to-cheer protocols


Concussion Management for Cheerleaders

Concussions require specialized care. At Back In Action, we use:

  • Symptom-guided rehabilitation

  • Vestibular and balance retraining

  • Gradual return-to-activity protocols

DSP_2016Na_C1_7518-X4.jpg

Preventing Cheerleading
Injuries

Evidence-Based Injury Prevention Strategies for Cheer Athletes
 
1. Strength Training for Lower Extremities and Core

Key focus areas include:

  • Glute and hip strength to control knee alignment

  • Quadriceps and hamstrings for shock absorption

  • Core strength for trunk stability during jumps, stunts, and landings

  • Upper body strength for safe lifting and catching


2. Landing Mechanics & Jump Control Training

Our prevention approach emphasizes:

  • Soft, controlled landings

  • Symmetrical weight distribution

  • Proper knee and hip alignment

  • Trunk control and spatial awareness


3. Balance and Proprioception Programs

Proprioceptive training improves the body’s ability to:

  • React quickly to unstable landings

  • Maintain control during dynamic movement

  • Prevent slips, falls, and awkward landings


4. Fatigue Management & Structured Practice Design

When athletes are tired:

  • Technique deteriorates

  • Reaction time slows

  • Injury risk increases dramatically


5. Education on Proper Stunt Progression & Safety

Cheerleaders, coaches, and parents benefit from understanding:

  • When an athlete is physically ready to progress skills

  • Warning signs of overuse or concussion

  • The importance of proper spotting and supervision

  • Safe progression of stunts and pyramids

Why Choose Dr. Scott Christie for Cheerleading Injuries

A Leading Expert in Cheerleading Injury Rehabilitation

Dr. Scott Christie is a co-founder of Back in Action and Cheer District and a trusted authority in sports injury rehabilitation, cheerleading biomechanics, and athlete development.

Soft Blue Sky

Dr. Christie’s Expertise Includes:

  • Over 30 years of experience in sports medicine and rehabilitation

  • Background in exercise science and athletic performance

  • Direct experience working with cheerleading athletes and coaches

  • Advanced training in concussion management and injury prevention

  • Contributor to cheerleading practice design and safety education

 

Dr. Christie understands the real-world demands of cheerleading, allowing him to design rehabilitation programs that match the sport not just the injury.

At Back In Action, we provide elite-level care for cheerleaders of all ages, focusing on:
✔ Faster recovery
✔ Lower reinjury risk
✔ Improved performance
✔ Long-term athlete health

Book your cheerleading injury assessment today and train with confidence.

!

Let our expert team help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to your life.

Book Your Concussion Assessment Today

Book Your Appointment Now

CONTACT US

Have questions or ready to take the next step? Contact us using the information below to schedule an appointment or speak with our team. We’re happy to help you get started.

Get In Touch

bottom of page