Dance PT Podcast

Dance PT Podcast

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. Sep 22

    The Dancer’s Foundation — Why the Ankle Deserves More Attention

    Your dancer’s ankles are doing so much more than you think. They’re the unsung heroes—absorbing shock during jumps, controlling turn landings, and stabilizing every plié. Yet, for such small joints, they’re responsible for over half of all lower-extremity injuries in dancers (Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2022). In this episode, host Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, breaks down the clinical science, rehab strategies, and performance applications of ankle strengthening in dancers. From progressive calf raise programs and theraband control drills to imaging considerations and hypermobility management, you’ll get actionable treatment ideas you can use immediately in the clinic. Whether you’re working with pre-professionals or Broadway pros, this episode helps you think beyond pain reduction — and start treating the ankle as a performance powerhouse. You’ll learn: Why dancer ankles are more than just stabilizers—they’re shock absorbers and propulsion engines. Evidence-based strengthening and proprioception progressions that reduce reinjury risk. Imaging guidelines (MRI vs. ultrasound) and when to refer. How to coach dancers toward performance longevity without overtraining their feet and ankles. 👉 Join the conversation! Connect with other physical therapists and PTAs who treat dancers in the Dance Physical Therapists Facebook Group and share your clinical pearls. And if you’re ready to deepen your dancer rehab knowledge and learn how to grow your dancer caseload, explore the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com . Because when it comes to dancers—every relevé, every landing, and every leap begins (and ends) with the ankle.

    The Dancer’s Foundation — Why the Ankle Deserves More Attention

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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.