What do dancers, gymnasts, and cheerleaders all have in common? They're not just performers—they’re artistic athletes.

In this episode of The Cheer Athlete Podcast, I sit down with Jillian Barnaby, founder of Parallel Physical Therapy and expert in movement for artistic athletes. We dive into the unique physical and mental demands these athletes face, the common injuries that come with blending performance and precision, and why strength and motor control matter more than extreme flexibility.

Whether you're a coach, clinician, parent, or athlete yourself—this conversation will give you insight, inspiration, and practical tools to help artistic athletes move better, stay injury-free, and reach their full potential.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• What makes an artistic athlete different

• Why traditional rehab often misses the mark

• The importance of cross-training for performance and longevity

• How Jillian uses movement assessment to build better, safer athletes

  
  

  Jillian is the owner of Parallel Physical Therapy & Wellness, LLC in Boylston, MA, which is a physical therapy practice that focuses on rehabilitation, injury prevention, and wellness for artistic athletes. Jill has her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Hartford in CT. She is a licensed physical therapist in the state of MA. She has experience as a student dancer from a young age, as President of her college dance team, and as a teacher of both dance and gymnastics, which allows her to relate to artistic athletes, as well as their teachers, educators, & coaches. She is a Certified Dry Needling Practitioner, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist, certified teacher of Progressing Ballet Technique, and has trained in APPI Pilates Mat work. She is continuously seeking new educational opportunities so that she can continue to grow in her professional career and learn new techniques to help artistic athletes. She strives to not only help artistic athletes rehab from injuries, but also to work with these unique athletes prior to an injury occurring to allow them to train smarter, healthier, and with more self-awareness of their bodies.

  To connect with Jillian:

  Email [email protected]

  Website www.parallelptw.comInstagram www.instagram.com/parallelptwFacebook www.facebook.com/parallelptw

  Phone (774) 314-7472

  
  

  To connect with Laura, schedule a free consult, access all the free guides go here LTTheCheerPT.com