Gymnastics

We covered the pack neck thoroughly in a two part series at Swimming Science, but because it is such an important topic it is worth revisiting with additional discussion and supplementary pictures.  See Part 1 and Part 2 at Swimming Science for additional discussion.   

Brandi Smith-Young, PT is a physical therapist and owner of Perfect 10.0 Physical Therapy in Austin, Texas.  You can learn more about her and her practice at www.perfect10physicaltherapy.com.    

1) Thanks for taking time for this interview, Brandi!  Before we get into your current practice, can you tell us about your own background as a gymnast?

The last several weeks have been quite a whirlwind in the USA Gymnastics community with the National Team losing several members before Worlds yet ultimately pulling through with a Gold medal.  While the injuries to the likes of Sacramone, Memmel, Bross, Caquatto, and Li have focused attention on health and safety of our elites, the grass roots level (which all elites must pass through) has its own share of injury issues.  Fortunately, the lower levels have not eluded the eye of the research community. 

Last November we to attended Cirque du Soleil's production of Alegria during its stop in Tucson.  While watching the show and the amazing feats of athleticism by the performers, I wondered "what type of sports medicine infrastructure do they provide?" After all, it's not as though you can find an abundance of people walking the street who can substitute for an injured performer at a moments notice. 

While taping is seen in many sports it seems to be an epidemic in gymnastics. It is ingrained from generation to generation, seen as slightly cool and an easy “fix” for coaches. I’m not a big fan. If an athlete needs a tape job to get through an important competition then it is fine but not the solution. Here are some of my issues with taping: