Gymnastics Physical Therapy and Performance Program
Specialized 1-on-1 Wellness, Physical Therapy, and Fitness programming specifically designed for competitive gymnasts
Is pain leaving your gymnast heartbroken that she can't keep up in gymnastics?
Does your daughter fear falling behind in her training, and worry that she won't be able to catch up?
Are you worried that your daughter might suffer permanent injury or long-term damage to her physical and mental health as a result of her gymnastics injury?
Is your gymnast scared that she won't be able to return to gymnastics and compete at the same level as before her injury?
Are you frustrated with the lack of support and communication from coaches and medical professionals?
Are you angry about the pressure and expectations placed on your daughter to return to gymnastics before she is physically and mentally ready?
Do you wish there were clearer guidelines and protocols for preventing, handling, and returning from gymnastics injuries?
I would love to help you
“Hello, my name is Dr. Gene Ketselman, and I specialize in helping dedicated gymnasts with persistent and unresolved pain conquer their condition, and return to gymnastics with greater confidence, resilience, and strength.“
If you’re a parent of a competitive gymnast who is heartbroken and suffering from an injury, you may be feeling overwhelmed. But I want to assure you that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. As your physical therapist and performance coach, I will be by your side every step of the way. I will act as your gymnast’s partner, guide, and cheerleader, and my ultimate goal is to help your daughter achieve optimal health, fitness, and performance in gymnastics.
I’m here to help those dedicated gymnasts that love gymnastics more than anything… and just wish they had a specialist that knew how they felt and what their sport requires.
This program was designed for the gymnasts, families, and coaches that have come to realize that finding a healthcare provider that truly understands the intricacies and demands of the sport is rare, and there is an enormous gap between healthcare, “traditional” physical therapy, and gymnastics.
I understand that this path to wellness and performance can be difficult, but I assure you that I will not give up on your daughter. I will work tirelessly to find answers, including in between sessions, and I will always be just a phone call or text message away when you need me most. My goal is to help your daughter break free from the chains of persistent pain or physical limitations so that she can become the gymnast she’s always dreamed to become. Let’s begin this journey together today!”
Education, Credentials, and Specializations
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), Dr. Gene Ketselman is recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association as being among the most highly trained and specialized physical therapists within the profession.
In fact, Dr. Ketselman’s Fellowship status places him in the top 5% of the most highly trained and specialized Orthopedic and Manual physical therapists in the United States.
Furthermore, Dr. Ketselman converges specialized physical therapy with his extensive background in strength and conditioning as well as gymnastics-specific rehab and training.
In addition to treating and training gymnasts within the clinical setting, Dr. Ketselman serves the role as a health and performance consultant for competitive teams, which includes being on-site during practices, communicating closely with the coaches, and providing on-site treatment and training when necessary.
Lastly, when appropriate Dr. Ketselman incorporates methods from his advanced training in wellness, yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, and meditation. The approaches utilized within this program are truly personalized and individualized, with a deep focus on progressing from pain and injury all the way to the highest levels of gymnastics performance.
Wellness
- Certified Applied Prevention and Health Promotion Therapist (Cert-APHPT) by the Academy of Prevention and Health Promotion Therapies
- Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) through Yoga Alliance
Physical Therapy
- New Jersey Licensed Physical Therapist #40QA01566100 (PT)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) from Drexel University
- Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)
- [Post-Doctoral] Masters of Science in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (M.S.OMPT) from Daemen College
- Certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Cert. MDT) by the McKenzie Institute
Fitness/Sport
- Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science (B.S.) from Rutgers University
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- Certified Sports Performance Coach through USA Weightlifting (USAW)
- Certified Instructor through USA Gymnastics (USAG) University
- Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC) through the National Sports Performance Association (NSPA)
- Certified in the Functional Movement Screen by the Functional Movement Systems (FMS)
Here's the way...
The Convergent Path to Performance
Our unique and integrated 4-step path to helping your gymnast conquer pain, improve their health, and achieve their goals
1) Get Assessed
2) Get Healthy
3) Get Active
4) Get Fit
1) Get Assessed
Maximizing performance is undoubtedly the ultimate goal for any dedicated and passionate gymnast. But there is much more to performance enhancement than training hard. Especially when pain is involved.
So what exactly should your gymnast focus on? And how?
To answer this, we begin with a very thorough and in-depth initial evaluation session, for which up to a full 60-90 minutes will be reserved.
Things will be very relaxed, and not at all rushed. We’ll discuss everything that’s been going on, perform a physical exam, and determine the plan moving forward.
Based on what we find in the initial evaluation, I’ll be able to provide an explanation of the findings, an estimate of approximately how long treatment may take, and what you can expect moving forward.
Finally understand what’s going on so you know exactly what you can do about it. After all, how can you treat what you don’t understand? Through detailed assessments, we’ll establish a personalized program developed specifically for your gymnast’s condition. Gone are the days of doing seemingly random or generic exercises over and over again without any clear results. Furthermore, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to know exactly what to do in order to overcome unexpected, difficult, or painful situations.
It’s time you and your gymnast discover exactly:
- What’s going on
- What makes them better
- What makes them worse
- What is safe and not safe to do
- What will lead to progress along their path
Say goodbye to the days of uncertainty and being unsure of what your gymnast should and should not be doing at the gym, and what drills or skills might lead to more pain or longer recovery times.
This process provides your gymnast with powerful awareness and skills that enable them to be independent, self-reliant, and capable of understanding, managing, and resolving their condition.
Say goodbye to crowded clinics, poor privacy, distracted therapists, and feeling dismissed. It’s time to be heard and respected. YOUR gymnast is the priority, and so she deserves 1-on-1 attention.
I’m sure you’ve noticed how difficult it is to communicate the struggles a gymnast experiences. What’s worse is that many healthcare providers just don’t seem to understand.
Here at Convergent Movement and Performance, I guarantee that your gymnast will always be seen, heard, and respected. To ensure this, all services will be provided 1-on-1 (with a parent present) for the full length of each session.
- You and your gymnast will always have my complete and undivided attention and focus for the entirety of each session.
- Rest assured that there will never be other clients, patients, or distractions present.
- Remain confident that ALL of your questions and concerns will be addressed each session, and throughout the course of our time together.
- You and your gymnast will never feel rushed, dismissed, or pushed away.
- Your gymnast will never be handed off to an assistant or aide.
- Your gymnast will never be left alone to do exercises, or left alone on ice, heat, or fancy machines that seem “cool” and “feel nice,” but make you question whether they really do anything meaningful.
- Your sessions will not consist of things that make you think “Well we can just do this at home ourselves.”
Each follow up session will be 30-60 minutes, and always one-on-one (with a parent present). During each follow up session, we will:
- Re-assess your gymnast’s condition and how they’re doing
- Use hands-on techniques if needed to decrease pain, tightness, or restrictions that are contributing to their symptoms
- Perform and review exercises that are specific to them and their condition
- Finish each session by determining what their home program will be between sessions
As long as your gymnast is doing the things we discuss at home, there’s rarely a reason you need to be coming in 3 times per week as you would with many other clinics.
I essentially want to give your gymnast as much education, guidance, tools, and exercises for them to learn to be as independent and resourceful as possible.
Treatment will consist of 3 steps, with each step having a distinct goal.
2) Get Healthy
Step 2 is essential for any gymnast who has recently experienced a traumatic injury, as well as for those with longstanding pain that is severe, constant, and/or unpredictable. In addition to appropriate exercises and hands-on techniques, we will focus on promoting health and wellness in ways that are essential for healing and recovery.
Exercise and rehabilitation programs are often ineffective without the strategies utilized within this step.
By completing this step, your gymnast will notice their severe, constant, or unpredictable pain settling. Their body will be primed for healing, and they will have the prerequisite environment within their body needed to repair, recover, grow, and thrive.
On average, gymnasts are seen 1-2 times/week during this step.
Exercise and hands-on techniques are critically important, but they’re often not enough to conquer many forms of painful conditions. Convergent Movement and Performance utilizes and combines the most up-to-date and research-supported strategies shown to successfully overcome common injuries, as well as persistent, longstanding, complicated, or chronic pain.
The secret to conquering pain and maximizing performance lies within the use of the Convergent Pillars of Wellness and Performance.
- Self-Regulation: Optimally balancing stress and recovery
- Nutrition: Fueling the body with healing and reparative nutrition
- Movement: Enhancing healthy pain-free mobility, strength, endurance, stamina, and control
- Sleep: Discovering truly restorative sleep
- Connection: Restoring or developing authentic and meaningful connections with ourselves, others, and our environment
All 5 of the Convergent Pillars are integrated into all of our work together.
I am a strong believer that recovery, wellness, and performance programs are incomplete without a focus on all 5 of these factors.
Discover little known, but incredibly powerful tools within each pillar… allowing your gymnast to conquer their pain and reclaim their life.
Pain and injury directly affect the ability to reach maximal performance. Just think about it… doesn’t it seem likely that skills and routines that feel good will result in higher performance as compared to those that the gymnast dreads and avoids because of pain?
Furthermore, the presence of pain often alters the way a gymnast performs skills. These alterations result in poor form and bad habits, in addition to a significantly higher risk of further or future injury. Gymnastics is certainly not a sport you want to gamble with.
It is very well known among the gymnastics community that finding a healthcare provider that truly understands the intricacies and demands of the sport is rare, and there is an enormous gap between healthcare, “traditional” physical therapy, and gymnastics. Just consider whether you or someone you know experienced this before: Everything seemed to be going great and progress was made within the physical therapy clinic, but then things inevitably worsened or even fall apart when returning to the gym for normal practice and competition.
Convergent Gymnastics is here to help resolve these roadblocks through the specialized gymnastics-specific physical therapy and performance program.
Finally In addition to specializing in gymnastics-related injuries and conditions, I make it a point to maintain clear and open communication and respectful collaboration with each gymnast’s physician, coach, and anyone else you wish to stay involved in the gymnast’s training and healthcare (based on request and consent).
3) Get Active
Step 3 initiates once any swelling or severe, constant, and/or unpredictable pain your gymnast may have had begins to settle. Your gymnast will notice that their pain comes and goes, and they will now understand exactly what makes them better and exactly what makes them worse.
During this step, we will continue to utilize the strategies from Step 2, in addition to progressing hands-on techniques and exercises to correct any flexibility, strength, or endurance imbalances that may have caused their condition.
As we successfully progress, your gymnast will notice themselves comfortably becoming more and more active. By completing this step, they will be able to return to, and enjoy, the daily activities that were previously painful or problematic.
On average, gymnasts are seen 1 time every 1-2 weeks during this step.
4) Get Fit
Step 4 initiates once daily activities are no longer troublesome, and your gymnast is ready to do more with their body. In this step, we will be focusing on developing fitness in a specialized way that simultaneously promotes recovery and reduces the risk of future pain or injury.
Developing fitness has consistently shown to not only improve sports-performance, but also serve as one of the most powerful means of injury prevention. For maximal safety and performance, gymnasts must demonstrate both general as well as gymnastics-specific qualities of fitness.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me in order to begin applying advanced methods of developing flexibility, technique, skill, strength, endurance, and speed…ultimately allowing your gymnast to become faster, stronger, and better equipped to dominate their path.
By completing this step, your gymnast will develop the physical ability, confidence, and resilience needed to accomplish new goals and maximize their physical potential without the setbacks of pain or injury.
On average, gymnasts are seen 1 time every 1-4 weeks during this step.
Well-rounded fitness involves the balance between movement quality, strength, endurance, and speed.
When developing general fitness, we focus on developing safety, skill, and performance within the primary functional movement patterns of:
- Pushing
- Pulling
- Squatting
- Lunging
- Lifting
- Carrying
- Walking/running
- Jumping.
Gymnastics-specific fitness is seen through the expression of various body shapes performed in each skill within a routine, such as
- straight body
- hollow
- tight arch
- pike
- tuck
- bridge
- straddle
- split
Once general movement quality is obtained, Convergent Gymnastics believes that a mastery of the gymnastics-specific body shapes is the cornerstone of maximizing performance within this one-of-a-kind sport. After all, I always teach my gymnasts that skills and routines are simply the transition of one shape to another. If you do not master your shapes, you will never master your routines.
Therefore we focus heavily on developing the body awareness and pain-free mobility, control, stiffness, and technique that is required to perform each of the general movement patterns in addition to each gymnastics-specific body shape.
This process begins with the Convergent Gymnastics Movement and Shapes Assessment, which involves a specialized one-on-one assessment testing each of the primary functional movement patterns as well as the major body shapes utilized in the sport of gymnastics.
Each pattern or shape deemed faulty within the assessment is then broken down joint-by-joint and muscle-by-muscle into all the individual components in order to determine exactly what the cause of the impaired performance is. This assessment is based on the convergence of years of doctoral clinical practice specifically treating gymnasts, with advanced knowledge of gymnastics skills and shapes.
Finally, as appropriate movement quality is developed within each primary movement pattern and shape, the focus then shifts onto developing movement and shapes-specific strength, endurance, and speed. It is only at this final stage of training that optimal physical performance is achieved.
Remember, no gymnast ever gets stronger DURING training.
In fact, training itself makes the gymnast weaker. Just think about it… does the gymnast feel stronger and more energized in the beginning of practice, or at the very end?
Most experienced gymnasts agree that they get fatigued as the training session continues.
The whole point of training is to create a specific and deliberate breakdown of your muscles and depletion of your energy so that it triggers a signal for your body to repair.
The REPAIR is when your body gets stronger, faster, and more fit. In other words, the time the gymnast spends outside of the gym is no less important than the time spent in the gym.
So the question is… is your gymnast planning out their recovery program in as much detail as their training program? If not, then unfortunately your gymnast is focusing more on breaking down then building up.
Together we will focus on resolving these roadblocks through specialized programming.
Above and beyond personal support – Guaranteed
Throughout the full process I am easily accessible and always there for you when you need anything. We are a team, and I always have your back!
I incorporate a convenient and secure portal that can be accessed through the web or through a smartphone app. You will be able to send me messages whenever you have any questions, or if you ever need anything.
I also have virtual telehealth video sessions or meetings available if you’re unable to make it to the office.
Pain and difficulties don’t just wait around for scheduled appointments. Considering that your gymnast spends the majority of their week outside of the clinic walls, I want to make sure that you have the resources, care, and support needed to overcome any challenges that come your way. It’s important to me that you never feel alone throughout this journey.
Our time together shouldn’t have to end between each 1-on-1 session. Through concierge-style programs, you will feel confident knowing that I’m within reach and providing specialized support. Convergent Movement and Performance goes above and beyond by offering the following premium benefits:
- A secure, private, and encrypted member portal, with access available through web browser and mobile phone app…so you’re always connected and never feel like you’re going through this journey alone.
- Access to specialized programming and between-session coaching… so you know you’re always taking all steps necessary for your gymnast to achieve their goals.
- Between session monitoring, accountability, and support…to ensure your gymnast remains motivated and prevents falling off track.
- A platform to illustrate, track, and receive between-session feedback regarding your gymnast’s wellness, rehab, and/or exercise program…so that you’re confident in your gymnast’s actions and won’t wonder “is she doing this right?”
- Clear and open communication and respectful collaboration between myself and your gymnast’s physician, coach, trainer, or anyone else you request to be involved in your journey… so that your journey involves a “team effort” with “all hands on deck.”
- Secure and encrypted: online priority scheduling, direct messaging, document and form sharing, and information and transparency on all financial commitments and transactions…for outstanding convenience and the ability to maintain immediate on-demand control at your fingertips.
Your gymnast will accomplish amazing things
Experience the joy and excitement of nailing that perfect routine
Your gymnast will finally unleash their full potential by saying goodbye to lingering pain
Your gymnast will thrive and turn heads in training with their supercharged energy and stamina
The competition will fear your gymnast's unbreakable confidence, resilience, and strength
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a fantastic question that I get asked all of the time!
The short answer: NO, all physical therapy is absolutely not the same.
The thing to understand is that physical therapy is a license and profession – NOT a method, system, technique, or approach. In other words, if you were to see 10 different physical therapists, it is both possible and likely that you will be assessed and treated in at least 5-10 different ways. That’s true even if all 10 PTs are working within the same clinic!
This is also precisely why it is not possible to say “I’ve tried physical therapy, and it didn’t work.” In that situation, the individual has tried a PARTICULAR physical therapIST with a PARTICULAR approach, and maybe that treatment did not provide the desired results.
But to say “physical therapy didn’t work” is almost as if saying, “I’ve tried a diet and didn’t lose weight, and so nutrition doesn’t work.” Can you see the potential problems in this way of thinking?
When selecting a physical therapist (or any licensed healthcare provider for that matter), I suggest you consider and compare the following factors:
- What credentials, education, and experience does the physical therapist have?
- Does the therapist specialize in treating your particular condition, or working with those with your particular goals and interests?
- What is the therapist’s treatment philosophy, and most importantly – does it align with your personal beliefs and goals?
Click here to learn more about my credentials and education, as well as the specialized and individualized approach used at Convergent Movement and Performance.
No, you do not need a prescription, script, or physician’s referral before scheduling a physical therapy session.
In the state of New Jersey, Physical Therapists are recognized as “Direct Access” healthcare providers. Being a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, my training has provided me with the knowledge, expertise, and licensure required to evaluate, diagnose, and treat simple through complex pain and injury as well as physical limitations without a prescription or referral from a Physician or alternate healthcare provider.
This means that you can confidently and safely consult with Convergent Movement and Performance directly upon the onset of any movement-related pain or injury that is hindering your ability to perform the activities you love.
Nonetheless, here at Convergent Movement and Performance I believe strongly in maintaining clear and open communication and collaboration with your physician/s. By doing so, we ensure that your healthcare team is updated, aware, and in agreement with everything going on with your condition, treatment, and care. To help us achieve this goal, I ask that upon intake you provide the contact information for the physician/s with whom you would like me to communicate with.
Prices for services at Convergent Movement and Performance are completely dependent upon the individualized program that will be created specifically for you.
Keep in mind, Convergent Movement and Performance is not a traditional physical therapy clinic. Instead, I provide fully customizable and individualized 1-on-1 health, physical therapy, and fitness services that are tailored specifically to you and your goals.
Please do not hesitate to schedule a free consultation to discuss programs and pricing.
For your convenience, I accept cash, check, and credit card for all services. If you are experiencing pain, you may also have the option of using a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.
Please note, I don’t ever want cost to be a reason why you can’t get the help you need. If finances are an honest concern, please reach out and discuss this with me. I will always do my best to try to find a way to help anyone that shows me they are truly committed and interested in the Convergent approach.
Yes, if you have “out-of-network” physical therapy benefits, you can use your insurance towards physical therapy services! In the eyes of insurance, services are considered “physical therapy” if you are experiencing pain or other physical limitations.
If you are pain-free, or you don’t have physical limitations with daily activities, then services are considered “wellness” or “fitness” by insurance companies. Unfortunately, insurance providers do not cover wellness or fitness services.
In regards to physical therapy services: After each session, I will provide a receipt with all of the information and codes needed to send to your insurance company. As long as you have appropriate out-of-network coverage, you can receive reimbursement for physical therapy services by independently filing the claim with your insurance company. Whether or not you have out-of-network coverage, and what specifically they will reimburse, is individual to each person based on the insurance plan. For additional details on determining your insurance benefits, and receiving reimbursement from your insurance company, please reference my webpage here: https://convergentmp.com/oon-reimbursement/
Regardless of whether or not services are covered by your out-of-network benefits, please do not hesitate to contact me directly to discuss programs and pricing.
If you do not have out-of-network benefits, and the costs of services honestly prevent you from being able to work with me, please let me know. As long as you are sincerely committed and interested in the Convergent approach, then I will do the best I can to keep costs within your means.
I’d never want cost to be a reason why you can’t get the help you deserve.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING MEDICARE, MEDICAID, OR MILITARY-BASED INSURANCE:
Because Convergent Movement and Performance is an out-of-network clinic, I am unfortunately unable to provide physical therapy services (in person or through telehealth) to those with Medicare, Medicaid, and Military-based insurances.
I am however able to provide most wellness and fitness services without restrictions.
Nonetheless, it is very important to me that I help you along your journey to ensure you receive the best possible care and treatment. Therefore, please do not hesitate to contact me and simply state that you have one of the previously mentioned insurance plans. Although I may not be able to treat you directly, I will do all I can to help navigate you to the most appropriate healthcare provider.
Because Convergent Movement and Performance is an out-of-network clinic, I am unfortunately unable to provide physical therapy services (in person or through telehealth) to those with Medicare, Medicaid, and Military-based insurances.
I am however able to provide certain wellness and fitness services without restrictions.
Nonetheless, it is very important to me that I help you along your journey to ensure you receive the best possible care and treatment. Therefore, please do not hesitate to contact me and simply state that you have one of the previously mentioned insurance plans. Although I may not be able to treat you directly, I will do all I can to help navigate you to the most appropriate healthcare provider.
Conquer pain and excel at gymnastics!
At Convergent Movement and Performance, I understand that your gymnast wants to be at the top of their game – confident, resilient, and strong. But persistent pain, tightness, weakness, or exhaustion have been getting in the way.
I want you to know that you and your gymnast don’t have to suffer alone. I understand the intricacies and demands of the sport, and understand the frustration and helplessness that comes with persistent pain and injuries. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to help dedicated and passionate gymnasts just like yours.
The 4-step process used at Convergent Movement and Performance is designed to help your gymnast not only conquer their pain, but also to improve their overall health, wellbeing, and physical potential. Step 1 includes a thorough assessment of their pain and physical abilities, from which a comprehensive and individualized plan will be produced. Step 2 consists of utilizing essential strategies to get healthy and settle their pain. In step 3, we will work on enhancing their ability to live an active lifestyle that’s no longer limited by their pain. Finally, step 4 focuses on getting their body to the next level by helping them achieve their fitness and performance goals while simultaneously preventing future pain or injury.
Don’t let pain, tightness, weakness, or exhaustion hold your gymnast back any longer. Click here to schedule your complimentary consultation, and let’s work together to help your gymnast realize their full potential!