Miscellaneous
In Episode #11 I talk with Marla Ranieri, DPT, OCS at Drayer Physical Therapy and specialist in gymnastics injury preventionAll gymnasts have different strengths, weaknesses and morphologies. They all have different pathways to healing as well. Getting a gymnast safely back to the gym after injury calls for specific progressions. So having a physical therapist that understands the healing process holistically is crucial. Marla Ranieri , Dr of Physical Therapy specializes in JUST this. Marla was an elite gymnast, and received a full scholarship to Stanford University. She wrote the chapter “THE RETURN TO PLAY” in the book “Gymnastics Medicine” Marla has a real gift for diagnosing athletes based on their injury, their experiences and their morphology. IN this podcast we discuss common injuries and how she screens athletes . Her mission is the prevention of major injuries. What is amazing about Marla is her ability to relate to the coach, athlete and parent and create protocols to recovery. Understanding our sport is so crucial to proper healing. I found it fascinating that changing conditioning and pushing kids toward specific skills to work with their weaknesses and strengths is one of her areas of expertise. We discuss neuromuscular control and the myth that a six pack means a strong core! We discuss proper breathing and other technique which add in activating the deep core muscles without involving back and hip flexors amongst many other topics…Marla is the solution to preventing injuries before they occur. She herself experienced 8 surgeries and overcame everyone of them. She “gets’ the gymnast. Marla is in New Jersey but she has dozens of clinics around the country that practice physical therapy specific to the gymnasts.. we need more like her in our gyms,,,, and we discuss how she is making that happen…so let’s get it started.ALSO: NOTE: Better PT now has a search platform for PT clinics that are doing Telehealth appointments for athletes who are dealing with injuries during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Here is the link to schedule your call: www.betterpt.com To be a part of Marla’s Study on Bone Health for gymnasts go to: Email Address: marlaranieri1@gmail.com The Book: “Gymnastics Medicine”“Better PT”Website: www.betterpt.comLinked In: Marla Ranieri