Dance PT Podcast

Dance PT Podcast
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Low Back Pain in Dancers

    3D AGO

    Low Back Pain in Dancers

    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

    18 min
  2. The Show Must Go On…But at What Cost? Stress Fractures in Performers

    MAR 3

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

    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.

    8 min
  3. Flexibility- The Underrated Key to Injury Prevention & Performance

    FEB 24

    Flexibility- The Underrated Key to Injury Prevention & Performance

    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

    8 min
  4. The Ultimate Guide to Stronger Dancer Ankles- A Physical Therapist’s Approach

    FEB 17

    The Ultimate Guide to Stronger Dancer Ankles- A Physical Therapist’s Approach

    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.

    9 min
  5. The Science Behind Optimal Nutrition for Peak Performance- What PTs Need to Know

    FEB 10

    The Science Behind Optimal Nutrition for Peak Performance- What PTs Need to Know

    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!

    11 min
  6. Pilates for Singers- A Clinical Tool for Breath, Posture & Performance

    FEB 3

    Pilates for Singers- A Clinical Tool for Breath, Posture & Performance

    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! 💃🎤

    13 min
  7. Common Injuries During Tech Rehearsals

    JAN 27

    Common Injuries During Tech Rehearsals

    Tech rehearsals are when everything in a musical theatre production finally comes together — and when performers are most at risk for injury. In this episode, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT Certified, discusses the most common injuries that arise during tech week — from overuse and sprains to back strain and vocal fatigue — and how physical therapists and PTAs can proactively support their performer clients through this demanding phase. Whether you’re a student, new grad, or seasoned clinician, this episode will help you understand the physical and environmental factors that make tech week so challenging — and how to turn your clinical knowledge into actionable care strategies for the stage. 💬 Join the community of PTs and PTAs working with performers: Dance Physical Therapists Facebook Group 🎓 Learn more about the CEU-certified Dance PT Program: https://www.jennakantorpt.com/danceptprograminfo

    13 min
  8. Why Is There So Much Focus On Screening?

    02/04/2025

    Why Is There So Much Focus On Screening?

    🎙️ **NEW DANCE PT PODCAST EPISODE 🩰💃🏿🕺🏽🔥**⁠ ⁠ Hey, dance enthusiasts! Jenna Kantor here, and I've got a burning question to explore with you in our latest episode: "Why Is There So Much Focus On Screening?" 🎧🤔⁠ ⁠ We all know that screening dancers in physical therapy is crucial, but it's time to dive deeper into the topic and consider all the components that make dancer rehabilitation truly comprehensive and effective. 💪🩰⁠ ⁠ In this episode, we're going beyond the surface and exploring the multifaceted world of dance rehab. We'll discuss the value of screening, no doubt, but also shed light on the equally important aspects that complete the puzzle. 🧩🌟⁠ ⁠ Join me as we unravel the complexities of dancer health and rehabilitation. Let's ask the tough questions, challenge the status quo, and discover how a holistic approach can elevate dancer care to new heights. 🚀🤸‍♀️⁠ ⁠ I'll be sharing personal experiences, insights, and a genuine passion for ensuring dancers receive the comprehensive care they deserve. 💃❤️⁠ ⁠ So, if you've ever wondered why screening is just one piece of the puzzle or if you're eager to take your understanding of dancer rehabilitation to the next level, this episode is your guide! 🌈🔍⁠ ⁠ Tune in now on Spotify, iTunes, and Soundcloud to join the conversation. Let's explore the many facets of dancer care and empower ourselves to provide the best support possible! 🌐💬⁠ ⁠ Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's keep this important conversation going. Together, we can redefine dancer rehab and ensure every dancer receives the holistic care they need. 🙌🩰⁠ ⁠ Don't miss out! Listen today and be part of the change. 🎤👂⁠ ⁠ #DancePTPodcast #ComprehensiveCare #HolisticRehab #DancerHealth #Empowerment #TuneInNow⁠

    7 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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
    272
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Dance PT Podcast