Is the painful area really the problem?

Not always.

In this episode, I discuss why your body often compensates when movement is limited and why the area that hurts may actually be doing extra work rather than causing the problem.

Using a real patient example, I explain how observing movement—not just symptoms—can change the way we approach pain, performance, and recovery.

If you've ever wondered why stretching or strengthening the painful area doesn't always work, this episode is for you.

Get your MOVEMENT TRACKER HERE

Move Better App LEARN MORE HERE

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Why Your Back Pain Isn't the Problem (Most of the Time)

Does your back hurt when you lean backward, tumble, reach overhead, or stand for long periods?

What if your back isn't actually the problem?

In this episode, I use the movement pattern of back extension to show why pain often appears in one area while the real limitation starts somewhere else. Through a real athlete case study, you'll learn why looking at movement—not just muscles or painful joints—can change how you coach, train, and treat people.

Whether you're a cheer coach, personal trainer, therapist, or someone trying to move with less pain, this episode will help you begin to see movement differently.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why pain doesn't always tell you where the problem is
• What to observe during back extension
• Common compensation patterns throughout the body
• Why movement patterns matter more than individual muscles
• How improving mobility and stability elsewhere can change back pain

🎁 Download my free Movement Tracker:
Connect with LT
Website: https://MoveBetterLLC.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecheerpt/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecheerptmovebetter369

Remember...

When in doubt, breathe out.

In this episode, I explain why movement screens shouldn't be about finding perfect form—they should help us understand how the body solves movement.

We'll discuss:

• Why compensation isn't always a bad thing
• The five questions I ask during every movement screen
• How movement quality changes exercise selection
• Why mobility, motor control, and strength all work together
• Why observing movement is one of the most valuable skills coaches, trainers, therapists, and athletes can develop

Whether you're working with cheerleaders, clients in the gym, or simply trying to move better yourself, this episode will help you begin seeing movement in a whole new way.

Because better observation leads to better movement.Movement Tracker

Move Better App

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Is your foot really the problem...or is it just where the movement shows up?

In this episode, I pull together the key ideas from my recent five-part YouTube series on single-leg stance and explain the why behind the exercises.

We'll talk about why balance is about more than simply standing on one foot, how movement screens help identify the real limiting factor, and why improving mobility, stability, and body awareness often leads to better strength and better performance.

Whether you're a cheer coach, athlete, personal trainer, therapist, or someone who simply wants to move better, this episode will help you stop guessing and start understanding movement.

• Why the site of the problem isn't always the source of the problem
• What single-leg stance can tell you about the entire body
• When you need mobility, stability, or strength
• Why corrective exercises are preparation—not the destination
• How body awareness improves movement quality and performance
• Why every old injury deserves consideration when evaluating movement

One takeaway:

Your body doesn't move one joint at a time—it moves as one connected system.

When you understand the pattern, choosing the right exercise becomes much easier.

🎥 Watch the complete Single-Leg Stance Series on YouTube.

🎁 Download the free Movement Tracker and learn more about the Move Better App using the links below.

Movement Tracker

Website

Move Better App

Why do you still feel tight after stretching?

It's one of the most common questions I hear from athletes, clients, and adults trying to move better.

In this episode, we explore why stretching alone isn't always the answer. Tightness isn't always caused by short muscles. Sometimes it's your body's response to limited mobility, poor stability, movement compensation, or a lack of strength and control.

We'll discuss:

• Why your body creates tension
• The difference between flexibility and mobility
• When stretching is helpful—and when it isn't
• Why movement quality matters more than simply increasing range of motion
• Practical ways to improve movement without spending more time stretching

If you've ever wondered why stretching hasn't solved your problem, this episode will help you think about movement differently.

Enjoying this series?

Continue listening with:

• The Missing Link Between Movement, Strength, and Performance• The ABCs of Movement: Awareness, Breath, and Control

Connect with Laura

Move Better App

Message Laura about Movement Screen HERE on Instagram

What is the missing link between movement, strength, and performance?

In this episode, I discuss why building strength isn't always the first step toward better performance. Movement quality, awareness, breathing, control, mobility, and stability all play important roles in how efficiently we move and perform.

Whether you're a cheerleader, coach, trainer, therapist, or active adult, understanding these connections can help you train smarter, reduce compensation, and improve long-term outcomes.

Join me as we explore how movement serves as the foundation for strength and performance—and why sometimes the biggest improvements come from addressing the basics first.

Follow LT on Instagram @TheCheerPT

Free Resources HERE

References

Movement Detectivery with Monika Volkmer and Gary Ward

The Movement Podcast with Gray Cook and Lee Burton

The Strength Coach Podcast with Anthony Renna and Mike Boyle

In this episode of The Cheer Athlete Podcast, I’m breaking down the ABCs of movement: Awareness, Breath, and Control.

These three principles are the foundation of how I help cheerleaders, adults, and physical therapy clients move better, reduce pain, and build strength safely. Whether you are working on tumbling, lifting, balance, or simply trying to exercise without irritating your body, movement quality matters.

We’ll talk about why doing more reps does not automatically make you stronger, why poor form often leads to compensation, and how small changes in breathing, foot placement, range of motion, and control can make a big difference.

I also share real examples from the clinic and training room, including how corrective exercises can help unlock movement and why the progression of mobility, stability, strength, and power matters.

If you have ever felt like your body is not cooperating, this episode will help you understand where to start.

If this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe and share it with your bestie who wants to move better.

LTTheCheerPT.com

MoveBetterWithLaura.com

What can cheerleaders teach adults about balance? More than you might think.

In this episode of The Cheer Athlete Podcast, I'm beginning a new chapter—one that still includes cheerleading, but also explores how the movement lessons we learn as athletes can help us throughout life.

We'll talk about:

Why balance matters for both cheerleaders and adults

The connection between the foot, pelvis, and core

How ankle and hip mobility affect stabilityWhy single-leg control is so importantHow sensory feedback helps us move betterWhat coaches, parents, athletes, and adults can all learn from each other

Whether you're working on a heel stretch, climbing stairs, recovering from an injury, or simply trying to stay active as you age, the principles of movement remain the same.

Because better movement isn't just for athletes—it's for everyone.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants to move better and feel better.

Why does a cheer athlete’s roundoff back handspring sometimes feel powerful one day… and completely fall apart the next?

In this episode of The Cheer Athlete Podcast, I’m breaking down one of the most common tumbling issues I see in cheer athletes: losing power and posture between connected skills.

We’ll talk about why some athletes struggle to keep their chest up after the roundoff, how strength impacts tumbling connections, and how coaches and parents can tell the difference between a strength limitation and a technique problem.

I’ll also cover 3 of my favorite exercises to help improve power, control, and rebound mechanics:

• Kettlebell swings
• Box jumps
• Single leg deadlifts

Plus, we’ll discuss:

• Common mistakes coaches make with tumbling conditioning
• Why more reps aren’t always the answer
• Age-appropriate strength training for young cheer athletes
• How better force transfer can improve consistency and reduce compensation patterns

This episode is perfect for cheer coaches, parents, and athletes looking to build stronger, more efficient tumbling foundations.

Follow the podcast for more tips on helping cheer athletes move better, perform better, and stay healthier.

Want to get stronger for tumbling, jumping, and more flexible for stunting?

Try the 6-Week Level Up Cheer Skills Program

Learn More Here

Connect with Laura HERE

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your body… is slow down.

In this week’s episode of The Cheer Athlete, LT The Cheer PT talks about the difference between rest and recovery — and why both are essential for stronger performance, better health, and fewer injuries.

From cheer practices and competitions to work schedules, family responsibilities, and everyday stress, many athletes and parents live in constant “go mode.” But recovery isn’t laziness — it’s part of the training process.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between rest vs. recovery
• Why downtime helps athletes build strength and resilience
• The connection between stress, aches, pains, and burnout
• Why sleep, nutrition, and quiet time matter for performance
• How overscheduling affects both cheerleaders and parents
• Simple ways to add recovery into your week without “doing nothing”

LT also shares personal reflections about growing up in a busy, high-achieving environment and how learning to slow down has changed her perspective on health, movement, and recovery.

If you’re a cheer parent, coach, athlete, or busy adult trying to do it all — this episode is your reminder that recovery is productive too.

Connect With LT

✨ Resources Mentioned:

• Injury Prevention Starter Kit
• Free Hip & Back Pain Challenge
• The NEW Move Better App

Remember:
“When in doubt… breath it out"