My Child Can Still Practice—Do They Really Need Physical Therapy?
The meet is coming up. Your child is still getting through practice. They may even be performing well. But the same complaint keeps coming up: a sore wrist, an uncomfortable landing, or a back that hurts during certain skills.
It is understandable to wonder whether an appointment is necessary when your athlete is still participating. At Perfect 10.0 PT, we encourage families to address that question before the next competition decides the timeline.
Being able to practice does not explain the pain
Finishing a routine tells us that an athlete completed the routine. It does not tell us what is causing their symptoms or whether their current training is appropriate for the problem.
Gymnastics involves repeated landings and weight bearing through the arms. The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine advises athletes against training through injury pain and recommends medical attention for persistent symptoms.
An evaluation provides a clinical starting point. Instead of guessing whether your athlete needs another stretch, a different brace, or a few days off, we can assess the concern and discuss appropriate next steps.
Pay attention to what your athlete describes
Before the appointment, ask your child what happens during an ordinary practice:
Which movements bring on symptoms?
Does the discomfort settle afterward or remain later that evening?
Have they started changing a skill to avoid pain?
Are they avoiding activities they previously performed comfortably?
You do not need perfect answers. Your athlete’s own description is useful, even when a parent or coach has noticed something different. Give them room to explain without having to prove how much it hurts.
A helpful conversation starter is: “You can tell me something hurts, even if you can still do the skill.”
An evaluation helps guide the plan
Dr. Greene’s physical therapy evaluation considers the athlete’s history, symptoms, movement, and goals. Recommendations may include rehabilitation, changes to activity, or referral for further medical assessment when indicated.
An appointment does not automatically mean every activity must stop. Appropriate participation depends on the findings and any restrictions from the athlete’s medical team. It also does not guarantee clearance for an upcoming meet.
The purpose is to help your family understand the concern and make informed decisions.
Support the athlete and their goals
Athletes can care deeply about a competition and still need help with an injury. Parents can acknowledge both:
“I know you want to compete, and I want us to understand what your body needs.”
If pain keeps becoming part of the practice conversation, an evaluation can help clarify what should happen next.
Visit Perfect 10.0 PT to schedule an injury evaluation with Dr. Greene. For scheduling questions, contact Marjorie at admin@perfect10pt.org.
References:
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. Gymnastics injuries. Reviewed November 2025. Accessed October 15, 2026. https://www.sportsmed.org/gymnastics-injuries
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