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.