A number of years ago my oldest daughter was having a bit of a mental block with her tumbling.

No matter what technique we tried or how long she worked with our most experienced tumble coach, she just was unable to throw her back handspring, which at that point she had had for years.

I felt horrible to see her going through this and was willing to pretty much try anything to help her out.

Someone mentioned the idea of hypnosis and although skeptical, I gave it a whirl, and it actually seemed to help her work through this challenging time and begin to throw it again!

All Star cheerleaders push their bodies and minds in ways most people never see.

Between long practices, tough conditioning, and high-pressure competitions, it’s normal for athletes to deal with stress, soreness, and mental blocks from time to time.

While regular medical care and proper coaching should always come first, some athletes also look into alternative medicine to help them handle certain challenges.

These options include things like hypnotism, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

They aren’t magic fixes, but for some athletes, they can be extra tools worth considering.

One option is hypnotism (as in my daughter’s case), sometimes called hypnotherapy.

It’s not the stage-show type where someone makes you cluck like a chicken.

Real hypnotherapy is more like guided relaxation.

A trained professional helps athletes focus their minds in a calm, controlled way.

Some athletes do use it to deal with mental blocks, such as in my daughter’s case with being afraid to throw a skill they used to do easily.

Others use it to reduce fear, improve confidence, or build stronger focus during high-stress moments.

Hypnotherapy doesn’t work for everyone, but some athletes say it helps them break out of a stuck mindset and feel more in control.

Another common option is chiropractic care.

Cheerleading is full of movements that twist, flip, and stretch the body in every direction.

This can lead to soreness, tightness, or joints that just feel “off.”

Chiropractors work with the spine and other parts of the body to improve motion, reduce tension, and sometimes help with headaches or back pain.

For cheerleaders, especially flyers or tumblers, regular adjustments may help them feel aligned and balanced.

Of course, it’s important to use a licensed chiropractor who has experience with athletes.

Acupuncture is another alternative therapy some cheer athletes explore.

It involves placing very thin needles in specific spots on the body.

While it might sound scary, many people say it doesn’t hurt and really helps them to relax.

Some athletes use acupuncture to manage pain, reduce muscle tightness, or ease stress before big competitions.

It certainly isn’t for everyone, but it can be an option for people who want a natural way to support recovery.

Massage therapy is probably the most familiar option.

A sports massage can help loosen tight muscles, increase blood flow, and speed up recovery after hard practices.

Cheerleaders who tumble a lot often get tight hips, shoulders, or lower backs, and massage therapy can offer relief.

It can also help athletes sleep better and feel less stressed, which makes a big difference during competition season.

Then of course there’s mind-body practices like yoga or guided breathing.

These might not seem like medical treatments, but they can help athletes develop flexibility, core strength, and mental calm.

A lot of cheerleaders like using these methods to stay centered, especially when dealing with pressure or nerves.

Alternative medicine should never replace a doctor, a trainer, or proper rest.

But when used safely and responsibly, with guidance from professionals, it can be a helpful addition.

Every athlete is different, and what works for one person might not work for another.

Whether working to throw a skill they once threw easily but now cannot seem to do or simply learning new ways to concentrate and focus when in the “moment”, exploring these options can give athletes more ways to stay healthy, confident, and ready to shine on the mat both at practice and at competition itself.