Rethinking Gymnastics rehab and training from an NCAA gymnast turned PT with Charles Baldi

Rethinking Gymnastics rehab and training from an NCAA gymnast turned PT with Charles Baldi

In this episode, we dive into the nuanced world of gymnastics injuries, strength training, and rehab from the perspective of Physical Therapist and former NCAA gymnast Charles Baldi. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or healthcare provider, you'll gain insights into smarter injury management, effective strength development, and debunking common myths.

In this episode:

• Why the traditional stretching routines at the start of practice might be doing more harm than good
• The importance of heavy resistance and high-load strength training in injury prevention
• How foot arch support and targeted exercises can reduce ankle and knee injuries
• The impact of modern rehab principles versus outdated protocols in gymnastics
• Practical tips for coaches and athletes to implement safer training strategies
• The controversial stance on stretch routines and when to incorporate flexibility work
• The role of tape, braces, and supportive gear in progressing recovery and performance
• Charles’s journey from gymnast to physical therapist and key lessons learned along the way

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Charles Baldy and his unique gymnastics and PT background

03:13 - Charles’s gymnastics journey from homeschool to Temple University

7:38 - Injury history: recurring elbow injuries and learning from them

9:23 - How traditional PT protocols fell short for gymnasts

11:49 - The need for strength training principles in rehab beyond simple bands

13:35 - Why aggressive stretching before activity is counterproductive

15:49 - The significance of strength training to prevent injuries, which Charles wished he had known earlier

19:13 - Navigating PT education and leveraging hands-on experience

20:43 - The realities of outpatient PT and how to improve the quality of care

26:33 - The importance and limitations of direct access and proper assessment in PT

29:03 - How to treat yourself or athletes more effectively with smarter rehab strategies

32:42 - The importance of progressive resistance work, adding weight and intensity safely

36:37 - Common ankle and foot injuries in gymnastics and preventative strategies

48:21 - Innovative exercises for ankle and foot stability, including band cues and balance drills

51:12 - Power development exercises how to translate strength into performance

53:34 - The value and drawbacks of taping, braces, and short-term supports

55:46 - Challenging traditional warm-up and stretching routines in gymnastics

58:11 - A shift in mindset: treating the spine and extremities simultaneously for quicker recovery

61:23 - Resources for continued learning: Instagram, blogs, and websites

Connect with Charles Baldi:

• https://www.instagram.com/bmg_sportspt/
• https://baldimovementgroup.com/