Dance PT Podcast

Dance PT Podcast
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

The Dance PT Podcast caters to physical therapists and physical therapist assistants dedicated to treating dancers, offering insights and strategies to overcome common challenges such as burnout, discouragement, stress, self-doubt, and other psychosocial barriers. Designed to empower listeners in pursuing and enjoying their dream career, each episode provides valuable resources and support to navigate the complexities of working with dancers while fostering personal and professional fulfillment in the field of dance physical therapy.

  1. Breathless on Stage? Understanding COPD in Dancers

    12h ago

    Breathless on Stage? Understanding COPD in Dancers

    As physical therapists and PTAs, we often see dancers push through fatigue and breathlessness — but sometimes, these symptoms are more than just “getting tired.” In this episode, I dive into Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in dancers: what it is, how it can affect performance, and how physical therapy can make a real difference. We’ll cover: How COPD shows up in dancers and why it’s not just a “smoker’s disease” Breathing mechanics, endurance, and balance strategies that improve performance Pulmonary rehab, exercise programming, and breathing techniques like pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing Prevention tips and long-term strategies to keep dancers moving safely How imaging and spirometry guide clinical decisions If you treat performers or work with dancers, this episode will give you practical, evidence-based strategies to help them reclaim their stamina and artistry — without surgery. Resources Mentioned: Join the Dance PT Facebook Group to connect with other PTs/PTAs working with performers Explore the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com for deeper clinical insights and marketing guidance

    9 min
  2. Cervical Radiculopathy in Performers- How Physical Therapy Can Reclaim the Spotlight

    Jun 23

    Cervical Radiculopathy in Performers- How Physical Therapy Can Reclaim the Spotlight

    Neck pain, tingling, or weakness in the arm can quietly derail a performer’s career — from dancers and musicians to actors and stage crew. In this episode, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT certified, dives into cervical radiculopathy: what it is, why performers are at higher risk, and how physical therapy can restore function, prevent recurrence, and keep artists performing at their best. You’ll learn how to: Recognize early signs of nerve compression in performers Evaluate posture, movement patterns, and functional performance Apply evidence-based manual therapy, nerve gliding, and strengthening interventions Integrate prevention strategies and ergonomic solutions into daily rehearsal and performance This episode is tailored for physical therapists and PTAs who work with performers — whether you’re in the studio, clinic, or backstage. Join the conversation, connect with other dance PTs/PTAs, and deepen your expertise with the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com

    10 min
  3. The Dancer’s Dilemma- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Performers

    Jun 16

    The Dancer’s Dilemma- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Performers

    In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT certified, dives into the hidden challenge of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) in performers. From dancers executing lifts to musicians mastering intricate finger work, CTS can silently interfere with precision, strength, and career longevity. Jenna breaks down: How CTS develops in the performing arts context Key signs and symptoms to watch for Assessment strategies, including performer-specific considerations and imaging Evidence-based physical therapy interventions, from manual therapy to nerve gliding Prevention strategies to keep performers healthy and on stage If you’re a physical therapist or PTA working with performers, this episode gives you actionable insights to identify, treat, and prevent CTS — keeping your clients performing at their best. Connect & Learn More: Join the Dance PT Facebook Group to network with other dance PTs/PTAs, and explore the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com to deepen your clinical skills for treating all performers.

    9 min
  4. The Dancer’s Dilemma- Calf Strains and How to Keep Your Dancers Moving

    Jun 9

    The Dancer’s Dilemma- Calf Strains and How to Keep Your Dancers Moving

    In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT certified, dives into calf strains in dancers — a common yet often misunderstood injury. Learn how dancers develop these strains, how to recognize early warning signs, and how physical therapy can guide recovery and prevent recurrence. Jenna shares evidence-based assessment techniques, phased rehabilitation strategies, and insights into preventing injuries before they happen. She also discusses when imaging may be helpful, and how PTs can help dancers recalibrate their technique and optimize performance. This episode is designed for physical therapists and PTAs working with dancers, whether in clinics, studios, or on stage, and includes practical tips to improve outcomes and keep performers moving safely. 📌 Connect with other dance PTs and PTAs in the Dance PT Facebook Group. 📚 Deepen your knowledge and learn how to treat all dancers with confidence in the Dance PT Program CEU Course: danceptprogram.com

    10 min
  5. Bunions in Performers- Not Just a “Bump” — A Clinical Red Flag PTs Need to Pay Attention To

    Jun 2

    Bunions in Performers- Not Just a “Bump” — A Clinical Red Flag PTs Need to Pay Attention To

    In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, host Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT Certified, breaks down one of the most misunderstood and under-treated conditions in performing artists: hallux valgus (bunions). We move way past “it’s just a bump” and dive deep into the biomechanics, clinical consequences, imaging guidelines, conservative management strategies, and post-op rehab considerations—specific to dancers and stage performers. In this value-packed 10-minute episode, we cover: 🎭 Why performers are at higher risk 🦶 The real pathophysiology of hallux valgus 📸 Imaging done right ✅ Evidence-based conservative treatment We break down: Movement pattern coaching (pliés, relevé, turnout, lunges) Foot intrinsic strengthening with progressions Manual therapy + controlled mobility Gait and load assessment in BOTH daily life and dance-specific tasks Footwear and orthotic strategies EVEN in costume shoes Taping/padding to prep for performance 🩺 Surgical indications and procedures When surgery becomes necessary—and how to advocate with surgeons who understand performer demands. 🏃‍♀️ Post-op rehab for dancers (not your standard protocol) Phase-by-phase return-to-performance including jumps, floor work, character heels, pointe, turns, kneeling, and choreography load management. ✅ Want to go deeper? If you’re a PT or PTA who works with dancers—or wants to—don’t do it alone. 👉 Join the Dance PT Facebook Group Collaborate with other clinicians, share cases, ask questions, and grow together. https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancepts 👉 Ready to master dance medicine AND learn how to market to dancers? Check out the Dance PT Program CEU Course at https://www.jennakantorpt.com/danceptprograminfo 📚 References (Full Citations) Nix, S., Smith, M., & Vicenzino, B. (2010). Prevalence of hallux valgus in the general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 3(21). Redmond, A. C., Crane, Y. Z., & Menz, H. B. (2009). Normative values for hallux valgus angle. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2(6). Mulligan, E. P., Cook, P. G., & Snow, E. (2013). Effect of plantar intrinsic muscle training on medial longitudinal arch morphology and dynamic function. Manual Therapy, 18(3), 245–250. Menz, H. B., et al. (2016). Efficacy of nonsurgical interventions for hallux valgus: A systematic review. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 46(9), 781–790. Ferrari, J., Higgins, J. P. T., & Prior, T. D. (2020). Interventions for hallux valgus and bunions: A Cochrane review. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Hallux Valgus Clinical Practice Guideline. Sammarco, G. J., & Nichols, T. A. (2018). Postoperative rehabilitation following bunion surgery. Foot & Ankle Clinics, 23(2), 289–302.

    15 min
  6. When Shoulder Pain Sidelines Your Performers

    May 19

    When Shoulder Pain Sidelines Your Performers

    Shoulder pain can quietly sideline even the most dedicated performers—and one of the most common culprits is biceps tendinitis. On this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, dives into the why, what, and how of biceps tendinitis in dancers, actors, musicians, and singers. We explore: How repetitive overhead movement, props, choreography, and instrument use can stress the biceps tendon Key red flags to identify biceps tendinitis before it escalates Evidence-based assessment strategies, including imaging considerations and functional testing Clinical treatment approaches: mobility, targeted strengthening, manual therapy, pain management, and performance-specific functional retraining Strategies to prevent overuse injuries and maintain shoulder health in high-demand performance environments This episode is designed for physical therapists and PTAs—both students and professionals—who want actionable, clinically relevant strategies for treating performers. You’ll hear story-driven insights and practical tips for integrating assessment and rehab into your practice, along with research evidence and clinical pearls that go beyond textbook rehab. By the end, you’ll understand how to help performers recover efficiently, reduce re-injury risk, and regain the strength, mobility, and confidence they need to shine on stage. For deeper connection and continued learning, join the Dance PT Facebook Group to network with other clinicians working with performers. And if you want to expand your expertise in treating all performers and learn how to market your services to this niche, check out the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com

    10 min
  7. When the Stage Spins- Vestibular Challenges and BPPV in Performers

    May 12

    When the Stage Spins- Vestibular Challenges and BPPV in Performers

    In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, dives into a critical, yet often under-recognized issue for dancers, singers, actors, and musicians: vertigo and balance disruption, with a focus on Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Performers rely on precise control over their bodies to execute choreography, hit notes, or move confidently on stage. But what happens when a sudden spinning sensation—or vertigo—throws them off center? BPPV is a disorder of the inner ear caused by dislodged crystals that send false signals about movement, leading to dizziness, imbalance, and even nausea. While it’s frightening, it’s also highly treatable with vestibular rehabilitation guided by a skilled physical therapist. In this episode, Jenna walks PTs and PTAs through: Common triggers of BPPV in performers, including choreography, stage lighting, and head movements How to recognize the subtle signs of vestibular dysfunction before it impacts performance or causes injury Evidence-informed assessment tools, including the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, and indications for imaging Step-by-step rehabilitation strategies, including canalith repositioning maneuvers, gaze stabilization, balance retraining, and performance-specific integration Guidance on preventing recurrence and educating performers on self-monitoring Whether you’re working with dancers, musicians, or actors, this episode equips you with practical, clinical tools to help performers return safely and confidently to the stage. Join the conversation in the Dance PT Facebook Group and explore further learning opportunities with the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com

    9 min
  8. When Balance Betrays a Dancer

    May 5

    When Balance Betrays a Dancer

    When a dancer loses their balance mid-turn or stumbles during a lift, it’s more than an embarrassing wobble—it’s a red flag signaling underlying neuromuscular, vestibular, or proprioceptive challenges. In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, dives deep into the complex world of balance in dancers, exploring why traditional cues like “tighten your core” aren’t always enough, and how physical therapists and PTAs can assess, identify, and address the subtle deficits that sabotage performance and increase injury risk. You’ll hear about: Common balance red flags in dancers, from overcorrecting during turns to dizziness with spotting How glute and core strength, proprioception, vestibular input, visual tracking, and even medications influence balance Evidence-based assessment strategies for static and dynamic balance, postural alignment, reaction time, and vestibular function Building a dancer-specific balance plan that integrates single-leg stability, turnout and pelvis control, head movement desensitization, foot intrinsic strengthening, vestibular retraining, and breath-core coordination How dance-focused PT interventions restore trust in the body, improve technique, prevent injury, and extend a dancer’s career Backed by current research and clinical experience, this episode provides PTs and PTAs with actionable insights and assessment tools to elevate their dance rehabilitation practice. Whether you’re working with elite performers, students, or hobbyists, this episode will help you understand the “why” behind balance issues and give you strategies to restore confidence and control in your dancers’ movements. Join Jenna to learn how to connect the science of balance with the artistry of dance, and discover how your expertise can keep dancers safe, resilient, and performing at their best. Connect with the community: Join the Dance PT Facebook Group to share cases, insights, and strategies with other dance-focused PTs and PTAs. For more in-depth learning, including CEU opportunities designed for dance rehabilitation and practice growth, check out the Dance PT Program at danceptprogram.com .

    10 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

The Dance PT Podcast caters to physical therapists and physical therapist assistants dedicated to treating dancers, offering insights and strategies to overcome common challenges such as burnout, discouragement, stress, self-doubt, and other psychosocial barriers. Designed to empower listeners in pursuing and enjoying their dream career, each episode provides valuable resources and support to navigate the complexities of working with dancers while fostering personal and professional fulfillment in the field of dance physical therapy.

Information

  • Creator
    Dance PT Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    288
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Dance PT Podcast