Dance PT Podcast

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, I’m breaking down ankle impingement, a common but often overlooked condition that can quietly sideline dancers, gymnasts, and performers of all kinds. Whether it’s a sharp pinch at the front of the ankle during a plié, or a deep ache in the back during relevé or jumps, ankle impingement can compromise performance and increase the risk of chronic injury.

As physical therapists and PTAs, we are in a unique position to screen, assess, and rehabilitate these injuries before they become career-limiting. In this episode, I guide you through:

The anatomy and biomechanics of the ankle relevant to dancers and performers

Anterior vs. posterior ankle impingement: how each presents and affects movement

Mechanisms of injury—why repetitive strain, fatigue, or structural anomalies matter

Red flags for persistent ankle pain and when to consider imaging

Evidence-based rehab strategies including pain management, mobility restoration, strengthening, and functional return-to-performance programming

Prevention strategies that actually work in the performing arts world

Clinical pearls for PTs/PTAs treating high-level performers

We’ll also discuss how to safely progress from rehab to full choreography, ensuring performers return to the stage stronger, safer, and more confident.

If you treat dancers or performing artists, this episode is packed with clinical insights, practical treatment tips, and evidence-based guidance you can apply immediately in your practice.

🎧 Listen in and empower your performers to keep moving safely, with artistry intact.

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, I, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, break down one of the most disruptive injuries for dancers and performing artists: the ankle fracture. Whether it’s a traumatic misstep during rehearsal or a stress-related overuse injury, ankle fractures can sideline performers and impact their artistry, confidence, and career trajectory.

I’ll walk you through:

The unique anatomy and biomechanics of the dancer’s ankle

Common mechanisms of injury—both acute and overuse

Red flags to identify fractures versus sprains

Evidence-based imaging guidelines and when to refer

Clinical assessment strategies and hands-on treatment approaches

Stage-specific rehabilitation and return-to-dance programming

Prevention strategies dancers actually need to stay safe and performance-ready

You’ll gain actionable clinical insights, practical PT and PTA treatment ideas, and research-backed strategies to guide performers safely from injury to the stage. This episode is perfect for physical therapists, PTAs, students, and professionals interested in the performing arts niche.

Resources & Links:

Dance PT Program (danceptprogram.com)

– specialized dance rehabilitation

Join the Dance Physical Therapists Facebook group for peer discussion and resources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancepts

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT Certified, takes a deep dive into AC joint injuries in dancers and performing artists. As clinicians, we often see dancers brush off shoulder pain as simple fatigue or a minor strain—but the AC joint plays a crucial role in overhead motion, partnering, and lifting during performances.

I break down:

The anatomy and biomechanics of the AC joint and why it’s so critical for dancers

How both traumatic and overuse injuries occur, and the red flags to look for

Functional assessment strategies for PTs/PTAs, including scapular control, postural alignment, and movement analysis during rehearsal-style tasks

Evidence-based treatment approaches, from manual therapy to strengthening, mobility restoration, and return-to-dance progression

When imaging such as X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound is appropriate and how it informs your clinical decision-making

Prevention strategies to minimize recurrence and support stage-ready performance

Whether you’re a student, new grad, or seasoned PT working with dancers, this episode provides practical, clinical insight into identifying, treating, and preventing AC joint injuries—helping your patients regain full arm lines, strength, and confidence on stage.

🎧 Tune in for actionable strategies, clinical pearls, and performer-specific rehabilitation tips that will elevate your practice in the performing arts niche.

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT certified, dives into Achilles tendinopathy in dancers and performers—a common, often persistent injury that can silently impact performance.

Designed specifically for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students, this episode provides:

Evidence-based assessment strategies for clinicians

Step-by-step rehabilitation progression, from early stage to return-to-performance

Prevention tips tailored to the unique demands of performing artists

Learn how to help your clients heal without losing momentum, rebuild strength, and return to stage safely.

References:

Alfredson, H., Pietilä, T., Jonsson, P., & Lorentzon, R. (1998). Heavy-load eccentric calf muscle training for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinosis. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 26(3), 360–366. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465980260030301

Kader, D., Saxena, A., Movin, T., & Maffulli, N. (2002). Achilles tendinopathy: Some aspects of basic science and clinical management. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(4), 239–249. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.36.4.239

Malliaras, P., Barton, C. J., Reeves, N. D., & Langberg, H. (2013). Achilles and patellar tendinopathy loading programmes: A systematic review comparing clinical outcomes and identifying potential mechanisms for effectiveness. Sports Medicine, 43(4), 267–286. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0079-6

Magnussen, R. A., Dunn, W. R., & Thomson, A. M. (2009). Nonoperative treatment of midportion Achilles tendinopathy: A systematic review. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 19(1), 54–64. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSM.0b013e3181906e3f

Rees, J. D., Maffulli, N., & Cook, J. (2014). Management of tendinopathy. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 42(9), 2349–2361. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546513518114

🎯 Join the Community:

Connect with fellow physical therapists and PTAs working with dancers and performers in the Dance PT Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancepts

Learn more about Jenna Kantor’s Dance PT Program, designed to train clinicians in performing arts rehabilitation: danceptprogram.com

Low back pain is a pervasive issue among dancers, often developing gradually due to hyperlordosis, weak core stabilizers, tight hip flexors, repetitive extension movements, and training overload.

In this episode, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, guides physical therapists and PTAs through:

✅ Understanding the biomechanical and functional causes of low back pain in dancers

✅ Evidence-based assessment strategies, including movement analysis, strength testing, and functional evaluation

✅ Rehabilitation techniques that restore strength, alignment, and motor control

✅ Prevention strategies to protect dancers from recurring injury

Designed for professionals working with dancers, this episode highlights practical, clinical approaches to help dancers recover safely, maintain performance, and reduce the risk of future low back injuries.

👉 Connect with the Dance PT community in the Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancepts

👉 Learn more about the Dance PT Program and advance your performing arts rehab skills:

https://www.jennakantorpt.com/danceptprograminfo

📚 FULL REFERENCES:

Koutedakis, Y., & Sharp, N. C. C. (2004). Physical activity in dance: Effects on injury and performance. Sports Medicine, 34(10), 651–667. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200434100-00003

Twitchett, E., Angioi, M., Koutedakis, Y., & Wyon, M. (2009). Physical fitness and the incidence of injury in contemporary dance. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 13(2), 59–65. https://doi.org/10.12678/1089-313X.13.2.59

Watson, A., Collins, C., & Smith, J. (2013). Movement assessment as a predictor of low back injury in dancers. Clinical Biomechanics, 28(3), 280–286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2012.11.009

Willson, J., Dougherty, C., Ireland, M., & Davis, I. (2005). Core stability and lower extremity function: A review of evidence. Sports Medicine, 35(1), 25–46. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200535010-00003

The Show Must Go On…But at What Cost? Stress Fractures in Performers

Description:

Performers push their bodies to the limit—rehearsals, quick changes, and high-impact choreography—but those demands can lead to lower extremity stress fractures, a common injury that can sideline dancers and actors for weeks or months.

In this episode, host Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, discusses:

✅ How to recognize stress fracture symptoms early

✅ Factors that contribute to injury, from rehearsal volume to footwear and nutrition

✅ Evidence-based physical therapy interventions for recovery and return-to-stage

✅ Prevention strategies to keep performers safe and stage-ready

Designed for physical therapists, PTAs, and students treating performers, this episode provides the clinical insight you need to keep your performers healthy, strong, and confident on stage.

👉 Connect with the Dance PT community in the Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancepts

👉 Learn more about the Dance PT Program and elevate your dancer rehab skills:

https://www.jennakantorpt.com/danceptprograminfo

📚 FULL REFERENCES:

Beck, B. R., Ruff, C., Shaffer, R., et al. (2000). Stress fractures in athletes: Pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 30(2), 65–74.

Bennell, K. L., Brukner, P. D., Malcolm, S. A., et al. (2013). Risk factors for stress fractures in track and field athletes: A clinical review. Sports Health, 5(4), 358–363.

Matheson, G. O., Clement, D. B., McKenzie, D. C., et al. (1987). Stress fractures in athletes. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 15(1), 46–58.

Mountjoy, M., Sundgot-Borgen, J., Burke, L., et al. (2018). The IOC consensus statement: Beyond the Female Athlete Triad—Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48, 491–497.

Nattiv, A., Loucks, A. B., Manore, M. M., et al. (2007). American College of Sports Medicine position stand: The female athlete triad. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 39(10), 1867–1882.

Flexibility is one of the most talked-about topics in dance—but also one of the most misunderstood. It’s not just about passive range or touching your toes. True flexibility is an essential component of joint health, movement efficiency, and overall performance. And when it’s lacking—or uncontrolled—it leads to compensation and injury.

In this episode, host Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, breaks down:

✅ What flexibility really means (and why most people get it wrong)

✅ The connection between mobility, control, and injury prevention

✅ Why hypermobile dancers are STILL getting injured

✅ How flexibility enhances posture, coordination, and energy efficiency

✅ Evidence-based methods: dynamic work, PNF, loaded eccentrics, active end-range training

✅ How PTs and PTAs can properly assess and integrate flexibility training into care plans

Whether you already treat dancers or are exploring this exciting niche, this episode will help you rethink flexibility through a clinical lens and improve outcomes for your patients.

👉 Join the Dance PT Facebook Group to connect with the community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancepts

👉 Want to become the go-to dance rehab expert in your area?

Learn more about the Dance PT Program:

https://www.jennakantorpt.com/danceptprograminfo

📚 FULL REFERENCE:

Witvrouw, E., Mahieu, N., Danneels, L., & McNair, P. (2004). Stretching and injury prevention: An obscure relationship. Sports Medicine, 34(7), 443–449. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200434070-00003

Ankle injuries are the most common musculoskeletal complaint in dancers, yet strong, stable ankles are the foundation for performance, artistry, and longevity.

In this episode, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT Certified, guides physical therapists and PTAs through a clinical approach to ankle strength, flexibility, and injury prevention in dancers.

You’ll learn:

✅ Evidence-based assessment strategies (single-leg balance, heel-rise endurance, SEBT/Y-Balance)

✅ Strengthening progressions including calf raises, theraband exercises, and proprioceptive training

✅ Flexibility, footwear, and load management considerations

✅ Recovery strategies to reduce overuse injuries

✅ How to integrate prevention programs into your dance caseload

Whether you’re a student or seasoned professional, this episode gives actionable tools to help dancers perform safely and at their highest level.

👥 Connect with the Dance PT community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancepts

🎓 Explore the Dance PT Program for CEUs and specialized training: https://www.jennakantorpt.com/danceptprograminfo

References:

Allen, N., Nevill, A., Brooks, J., Koutedakis, Y., & Wyon, M. (2012). Injury incidence and severity in professional ballet dancers: A 2-year prospective study. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 16(4), 128–135.

Smith, T. O., Davies, L., & O’Driscoll, M. L. (2018). Incidence and prevalence of musculoskeletal injury in ballet: A systematic review. Physical Therapy in Sport, 32, 97–105.

Fong, S. S., Ng, G. Y., & Fung, L. S. (2021). Effectiveness of proprioceptive training for ankle injury prevention in dancers: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 25(2), 85–92.

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, host Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, breaks down one of the most overlooked factors in performer rehab and performance: nutrition.

No, we’re not dietitians—but as movement experts, we SEE how poor fueling leads to injury, fatigue, slow healing, hormonal disruption, RED-S, and burnout. Screening, educating, and referring are 100% within our scope—and this episode shows you exactly how to integrate nutrition into clinical care.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why nutrition is a performance variable PTs must address

✅ How macronutrients impact muscle repair, energy, and hormonal health

✅ Key micronutrient red flags seen in clinic (iron, Vit D, calcium, B vitamins)

✅ The role of hydration in voice quality, cognitive function, and injury risk

✅ Pre- and post-performance fueling strategies you can teach TODAY

✅ Supplements: what’s within scope, what’s not, and how to keep performers safe

✅ The psychology of eating and how to screen for disordered patterns

✅ How to integrate nutrition into evals, POC, marketing, and niche growth

Bottom line:

Nutrition is not separate from performance—it IS performance.

Fuel impacts recovery, energy, injury prevention, mental health, and stage longevity.

🎉 Want to treat performers at the highest level?

Join the Dance Physical Therapists Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancepts

🎓 Want to specialize in performing arts rehab?

Check out the Dance PT Program CEU Course:

https://www.jennakantorpt.com/danceptprograminfo

If this episode shifts your perspective, share it with another PT or student. Together, we raise the standard of performer care!

Pilates isn’t just for dancers—it’s a powerful clinical tool for singers.

In this episode, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT Certified, shares how physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can use Pilates principles to optimize singers’ musculoskeletal health, breath control, posture, flexibility, and performance endurance.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why singers are true movement athletes

✅ How core training improves breath support and vocal power

✅ Pilates-based strategies to correct posture and alignment

✅ Flexibility work to reduce tension in the neck, shoulders, jaw, and ribs

✅ Stabilizer muscle training for long rehearsals and shows

✅ How Pilates supports injury prevention AND performance

✅ Ways to integrate Pilates into skilled PT—and into wellness programming

✅ Plus a bonus: how to market Pilates to singer clients!

If you treat performing artists—or want to build a niche practice in this space—this episode will give you practical tools you can use immediately in the clinic or studio.

👇 Connect with our growing community of professionals:

Dance PT Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancepts

🎓 Want to specialize in treating dancers and performers?

Dance PT Program CEU Course: https://www.jennakantorpt.com/danceptprograminfo

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with another PT or PTA who loves working with performers! 💃🎤