COMPETITIVE CHEER
Competitive cheerleading is more than just routines and stunts; it's a physically demanding sport that requires strength, flexibility, and precision. Whether you're a cheerleader, coach, or parent, you know how important it is to keep the team healthy and at the top of their game. Neuromuscular therapy is a powerful tool that can help cheerleaders stay strong, recover faster, and avoid injuries that could shorten their careers or impact scholarship opportunities.
Understanding the Muscles in Cheerleading:
Cheerleaders use almost every muscle in their bodies during routines, but certain muscles are more important depending on the event. Let's break down some key muscles, their trigger points, and how neuromuscular therapy can help with each.
Shoulders (Deltoids)
Trigger Point Referral Patterns:
Upper arm, shoulder blade
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Neuromuscular Therapy Benefits
These are often found in the back of the shoulder and can cause pain when lifting arms for stunts or jumps.
Abs and Lower Back
Trigger Point Referral Patterns:
Rectus Abdominis, Obliques, Erector Spinae
Neuromuscular Therapy Benefits
Trigger points in the lower back can lead to discomfort when performing flips or holding up stunts.
HIP
Trigger Point Referral Patterns:
Hip Flexors, Adductors
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Neuromuscular Therapy Benefits
Improves flexibility, reduces groin strain, and supports powerful kicking and fast directional change
Upper Back
Trigger Point Referral Patterns:
Neck, upper back, shoulders
Neuromuscular Therapy Benefits
Reduces tension, improves range of motion, and enhances shoulder stability
Hips
Trigger Point Locations:
Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, Iliopsoas
Referral Patterns
Pain can radiate to the hip buttocks or calf​
Neuromuscular Therapy Benefits
Pain in the hips can affect flexibility and make splits and kicks harder to perform.
Thighs and Calves
Trigger Point Locations:
Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius
Referral Patterns
Pain can radiate to the Achilles tendon​
Neuromuscular Therapy Benefits
Tight spots in the thighs or calves can make jumps and landings painful.
Where Is Your Pain?
Pain has a pattern. When you come in for your session there is no guessing what soft tissue is contributing to your pain we are well verse in the pain patterns of the body.
Your nervous system is the command center for your body the nerve trunk that supplies a specific joint also supplies the muscles of the joint, as well as the tendons, skin and related muscles. This complex system regulates your body’s systems & guides almost everything you do and allows you to experience your environment. The nervous system holds the key to the body’s incredible potential to heal itself
Feel safe knowing:
As a parent of three athletes, I know the importance of trust and care. At Elite Recovery, your athletes are more than clients—they're family. We empower them to ask questions, adjust pressure, and understand their recovery process. Coaches, Teams, and Athletes—Partner with us to keep your team strong, pain-free, and performing at their best. Book a FREE 15-minute appt with Elite Recovery in Murrieta, CA today!
