Dr. Nicole Stevens‘ physical therapy practice is deeply influenced by her 15 years of experience as a high-achieving gymnast. Her impressive journey, which included competing at the Level 10 of the Junior Olympic National Championships, exposed her to the challenges and injuries commonly faced by athletes, dancers, and performing artists. This personal experience serves as the foundation for her unique approach to helping patients return to their favorite sports and activities.

Dr. Nicole is dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of her patients and offers a specialized Dance & Performing Arts Rehabilitation program. This program isn’t exclusive to gymnasts; it also serves to dancers, figure skaters, and musicians as well. Her approach is multifaceted, covering a wide spectrum of athletic and artistic disciplines, with a commitment to promoting a holistic perspective on movement and healing.

Gymnastics-Related Injuries
Dr. Nicole has in-depth knowledge and experience in dealing with gymnastics-related injuries. Gymnasts, regardless of their age or level, face specific types of injuries due to the unique demands of the sport. Dr. Nicole is an expert in treating these common gymnastics-related injuries:

1. Sprains and Strains: Gymnastics places considerable stress on the body, leading to sprains, strains, and muscle injuries. Dr. Nicole’s deep understanding of gymnastic techniques enables her to provide tailored treatment plans.
2. Overuse Injuries: The repetitive nature of gymnastics can lead to overuse injuries like tendinitis, stress fractures, and growth plate injuries in young athletes. Recognizing these issues early is a crucial part of her approach.
3. Wrist and Elbow Injuries: Gymnasts often place significant stress on their wrists and elbows, leading to conditions such as wrist ligament injuries, stress fractures, and elbow tendinitis. Dr. Nicole specializes in these areas.
4. Back and Spine Problems: The demands of gymnastics can lead to issues such as stress fractures, scoliosis, and lower back pain. She has expertise in managing these spinal conditions and helping gymnasts regain their full range of motion.
5. Shoulder Injuries: The sport requires upper body strength, which can lead to conditions like rotator cuff injuries and shoulder instability. Dr. Nicole provides comprehensive care for shoulder issues, helping athletes regain strength and stability.

Beyond Gymnastics:
While gymnastics has a unique set of challenges leading to specific injury patterns, it’s worth noting that similar injuries can affect athletes in other sports and activities. Dr. Nicole’s expertise extends beyond gymnastics, encompassing a spectrum of disciplines where these injuries may occur.

Dance: Dancers, like gymnasts, push their bodies to the limit to achieve feats of grace and athleticism. This often results in injuries like sprains, strains, and stress fractures, mirroring the challenges faced by gymnasts. Dr. Nicole’s specialized Dance & Performing Arts Rehabilitation program is tailored to address the unique demands of the dance world.

Figure Skating: The precision and grace required in figure skating can also take a toll on the body, leading to overuse injuries and issues with the lower extremities.

Martial Arts: In the world of martial arts, participants frequently encounter injuries related to joint and muscle strains, as well as overuse injuries due to the rigorous training regimens. 

Cheerleading: Cheerleaders execute intricate routines that demand physical strength, flexibility, and coordination. Consequently, they are susceptible to injuries akin to gymnastics, including sprains, strains, and dislocations. 

Acrobatics: Acrobats, just like gymnasts, perform intricate maneuvers that require precision and strength. This can result in injuries ranging from sprains to spinal problems. 

Yoga: Although yoga is often associated with flexibility and relaxation, it can lead to overuse injuries when not practiced mindfully. Common issues include wrist and shoulder injuries, similar to those found in gymnastics. 

Circus Arts: Circus artists, including aerialists and contortionists, often face physical demands that parallel gymnastics. They may contend with injuries like sprains, strains, and overuse injuries. 

Recognizing the shared injury patterns across these disciplines, Dr. Nicole’s practice is well-equipped to cater to a diverse range of athletes and artists. Her extensive knowledge and multifaceted approach promote a holistic view of movement and healing, ensuring that athletes and performers can return to their passions with strength, agility, and confidence.

Your Path to Wellness
At The Off Season Sports and Physical Therapy, we believe in personalized care. Dr. Nicole works closely with each patient to develop a tailored treatment plan that takes into account their specific needs and goals, and an emphasis on getting back to the sports and activities you love!