What Performance Physical Therapist, Dr. Biddle, learned from breaking her leg

Dr. Catherine Biddle

I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Catherine Biddle to our physical therapy team in Bethesda. Dr. Biddle specializes in treating gymnasts, dancers, and athletes with hypermobility related conditions. As a former Division I gymnast at Northern Illinois University, she brings both expertise and personal experience in overcoming sports injuries.

She was kind enough to tell us about the injury that inspired her to become a sports physical therapist and what you can learn from her journey.

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At 15, I suffered a serious injury during gymnastics practice. While performing a skill called a blind full on bars, I turned too early, causing a fall from 12 feet onto concrete. The result? A broken fibula in three places and a dislocated tibia.

Two days later, I had surgery to insert a plate and eight screws in my leg. My doctors warned I might never compete at the same level again. As a gymnast for 13 years who was being actively recruited by colleges, this news was devastating. I felt lost—until I started physical therapy three weeks after surgery.

When I crutched into my first physical therapy session, feeling hopeless, my therapist did something powerful: she asked me how I was doing—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. That conversation changed everything. She told me that while recovery wouldn’t be easy or fast, we would do everything we could to get me back to gymnastics. Thirteen months later, I joined a Division I gymnastics program and had a fulfilling collegiate career.

My injury taught me that the physical therapy journey is about more than just the body. It’s about mindset, support, and perseverance. The right therapist can make all the difference, helping you heal both physically and emotionally.

Most importantly, I learned that a surgeon’s prognosis isn’t the end of the story. With the right support system, a positive outlook, and hard work, you can overcome obstacles you never thought possible.

These lessons shape how I approach my work today. I focus on more than just my patients’ injuries—I consider how they’re feeling overall and what their goals are. Healing isn’t just about “fixing” the problem; it’s about helping people return to the activities they love.

So how do you know if you’ve found the right healthcare provider for you?

Ask questions!

Prior to your visit, prepare a list of the questions that are important to you. Your provider should be willing to answer all of your questions, even if they can’t give you a definitive answer at the moment.

Here are 3 questions that I advise asking.

1. Why did this happen, and how can we prevent it from happening again?
Understanding the cause of your injury helps ensure it doesn’t become a recurring issue.

2. What should I be doing at home?
Recovery extends beyond the clinic. Make sure you’re clear on what exercises or precautions you should follow at home.

3. How will we measure my progress?
Your goals should guide your recovery, not just standard benchmarks. Set clear expectations with your therapist to track meaningful progress.

Physical therapy is most effective when it’s a partnership. The more engaged you are in your recovery, the better your results will be. Asking these questions helps you take control of your health and build a stronger relationship with your therapist.

Interested in scheduling an appointment with me or a member of our team? Contact us!

-Dr. Catherine Biddle PT, DPT

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