The Gymnastics Medicine Clinic

We know how much gymnasts put into their sport. And in a sport that pushes the limits, injuries can happen. Our team is here to provide specialized care that helps gymnast stay healthy, perform at their highest level and get back to the mat after an injury.

What is the Gymnastics Medicine Clinic?

Our Gymnastics Medicine Clinic takes a holistic approach to preventing and treating injuries and improving performance in gymnasts. Our team of experts includes a pediatric sports medicine doctor, sports medicine physical therapists, athletic trainers and dietitians all working alongside you to provide a comprehensive treatment plan.

What to expect from a visit to the Gymnastics Medicine Clinic

During your first gymnastics clinic visit

Prior to meeting with our experts, you will complete a comprehensive medical and gymnastics history that your care team will review.

During your visit, our sports medicine doctor, physical therapist and sports dietitian conduct a comprehensive evaluation that includes reviewing medical and injury history, completing a physical exam and X-rays, if applicable. Some athletes may also get labs drawn, if needed.

At the end of the visit the care team will review any X-rays that were needed, provide recommendations for next steps and give specific at-home exercises and nutritional advice. You or your athlete may also meet a research assistant if they would like to participate in one of our many studies investigating the health of gymnasts. This helps us improve our care and ensures you receive the latest medical advancements.

After your first gymnastics clinic visit

After your initial assessment, our team will develop a care plan to ensure each future appointment meets you or your gymnast’s needs. That may mean time with a physical therapist to assist with injury recovery, seeing an athletic trainer to improve performance or follow up visits with a sports dietitian to ensure proper fueling before, during and after practices and meets.

Who do we treat at the Gymnastics Medicine Clinic?

We care for any athlete, ages 8 to 21, who competes in artistic, rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics, as well as trampoline and tumbling. This could be for a single injury, chronic or overuse injury or assistance with nutrition, recovery, training plans and mental health issues.

What gymnastics injuries do we treat?

We treat many injuries both specific to gymnastics and more general for young athletes, including:

• Spondylolysis
• Knee injuries or pain such as patellofemoral syndrome  or ACL tears
• Ankle sprains
• Gymnast wrist
• Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S)
• Apophysitis including Osgood-Schlatter’s or Sever’s disease
• Tendonitis 

Learn more about gymnastics injuries we treat

Why choose Children’s Colorado for pediatric gymnastics injury care?

As one of the first pediatric gymnastics clinics in the country, we provide a single place for gymnasts to see many specialists and services at one time. This approach allows the entire medical team, gymnast and family to be on the same page. We provide consistent, comprehensive and holistic care throughout your entire care journey.

Emily Sweeney, MD, a team physician for the USA Gymnastics Junior Women’s national team, NCAA gymnastics judge and a former level 10 gymnast, leads our team of specialists. Dr. Sweeney not only has unique experience in the sport, but is an expert at treating gymnasts. Dr. Sweeney speaks at many national and international conferences and continues to advocate and advance research for gymnastics medicine in the hope that all athletes get the care they deserve.

Contact the Gymnastics Medicine Clinic

We hold our clinic at South Campus, Highlands Ranch. To schedule an appointment at The Gymnastics Medicine Clinic or to ask our team any questions, please call: 720-777-3898.