Physical Therapy for Dancers and Participants In The Dance of Life

Dancer and Gymnast Focused Care

The movement of many forms of dance may pre-dispose one to a number of conditions not commonly seen in other populations. We are equipped to assess technique and movement quality to assure it is considered and integrated into the dancer’s treatment program. Custom exercise prescription to meet the demands of training and choreography is integral to our programs. 

Treatment Approaches

Treating Conditions Common to Dancers Including:

  • Ankle/Foot Disorders: Achilles tendinopathies and Sever’s, ankle sprains and chronic instability, stress fractures, flexor hallicus longus pathology, metatarsal pain and stiffness, os trigonum, and os navicular conservative and post operative treatment
  • Spinal Conditions: muscle strain, spondylolysis/stress fractures of spine, facet irritation, core weakness/stabilization issues
  • Hip Conditions: labral tears both conservative and post-operative care, osteoarthritis, impingement syndromes
  • Knee Disorders: patellofemoral pain (knee cap), pain related to joint hyper mobility including tracking issues of the patella, degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis, meniscus tears both conservative and post-operative, ACL repairs, osteochondritis dissecans
  • Orthopedic Surgeries: Including but not limited to - Total hip and knee joint replacement, PAO (periacetabular osteotomy), hamstring avulsion repairs, Achilles tendon lengthening procedures, lateral release and tendon re-positioning for dislocating knee caps, compartment release of the calf muscles, hip labrum repairs, os trigonum removal or steida process excisions, retinaculum release at the ankle, arch reconstruction surgery, rotator cuff repairs, ACL repairs/reconstruction

Treatment Approaches Include:

  • Soft Tissue, Spinal and Joint Mobilization

    Our staff is  trained in a number of approaches including Maitland, Mulligan, Karltenborn, High Velocity Low Amplitude Thrust (from an osteopathic base), and myofascial joint mobilization.

  • Integrative Dry Needling (IDN)

    for details on this treatment modality, please click here.

  • Myofascial Release

    including instruction in foam roller therapy and the use of various approaches to augment myofascial release

  • Graston Technique®

    (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization which is excellent at freeing fascial and scar tissue adhesions)

  • Kinesiology and Athletic Taping

  • Australian Physiotherapy Pilates Institute (APPI) Matwork levels I through III and specialized training in treating the patient with mild to moderate scoliosis

  • Quadrastep System®

    for prescription of semi custom orthotics (as well as advice with off-the-shelf orthotics selection) 
    The Quadrastep System web site

  • Formthotics®

    heat moldable off-the-shelf orthotics

  • Core strengthening and stability programs

  • Cold Laser

    (this modality uses highly focused light in a wavelength to promote optimal healing and pain relief to damaged tissue)

  • Game Ready

    cold compression therapy excellent for controlling post injury or post-surgical edema

  • Functional Electrical Stimulation

    for Muscle re-education, pain relief, or reduction of swelling, with loaner units available for home use

  • Ultrasound

    as a preparation for instrument assisted and soft tissue mobilization

  • Iontophoresis

    a non-invasive way to introduce anti-inflammatory medications to muscles, tendons and joints

  • Education and Custom Home Exercise Prescription

    to promote optimal carry over and progression from session to session (supplies are provided or available for purchase to assure immediate ability for follow through)

  • Dance conditioning and Pre-pointe assessment and preparation

  • Back stage services available upon request