Advertise on podcast: Dance PT Podcast

In this episode of The Dance PT Podcast, Jenna dives deep into one of the most overlooked aspects of dance performance—nutrition. From understanding how macronutrients support strength and stamina to uncovering how micronutrients influence injury prevention, Jenna breaks down the science into dancer-specific insights that every physical therapist and PTA needs to know. Learn how under-fueling shows up in your clinical practice, what red flags to look for on imaging, and how to guide your dancers toward sustainable, performance-boosting nutrition habits. This episode isn’t about dieting—it’s about fueling artistry through science. Jenna also shares how you, as a dance PT or PTA, can help bridge the gap between rehab and performance by recognizing the metabolic and psychological factors that influence recovery and training outcomes. Whether your patients are prepping for a national tour, a college showcase, or their first Nutcracker season, this episode will help you level up your approach and truly understand what it means to fuel the dancer. 👉 Connect with other dance clinicians inside the Dance Physical Therapists Facebook Group 👉 Explore the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com to deepen your skills in treating and marketing to dancers.

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.

When we talk about flexibility in dancers, it’s easy to think of beautiful lines, deep splits, and sky-high extensions—but flexibility is so much more than aesthetic range. It’s a vital component of dancer health, performance, and longevity. In this episode of The Dance PT Podcast, host Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, explores the clinical side of flexibility—how it prevents injuries, supports technique, and interacts with strength and control. You’ll hear research-backed insights from sports medicine and dance science, plus practical treatment ideas for PTs and PTAs working with dancers. We’ll cover: Why flexibility alone isn’t the goal—controlled mobility is. How excessive range and instability can lead to injury. Evidence-based flexibility and mobility training methods for dancers. The role of imaging and functional assessment in flexibility-related complaints. Real-world treatment examples from clinical practice. Whether you’re helping dancers prep for performance or recover from injury, this episode will help you build smarter, safer, and more effective programs that keep them dancing strong. 👉 Join the Dance Physical Therapists Facebook Group to connect with other dance PTs/PTAs. 👉 Ready to go deeper into dancer evaluation, treatment progressions, and marketing your niche? Visit danceptprogram.com to learn more about the Dance PT Program CEU Course.

For dancers and performers, the elbow is more than just a joint—it’s a powerhouse for movement, expression, and stability. In this episode, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT certified, walks physical therapists and PTAs through everything you need to know about elbow fractures in dancers. Learn how to: Identify different types of elbow fractures and key signs to watch for Support dancers during immobilization and post-cast rehabilitation Restore range of motion, strength, endurance, and dance-specific skills Prevent reinjury through education, technique, and conditioning This episode blends clinical evidence, research-based guidelines, and practical strategies to help your performers return safely to the stage. Resources: Join the Dance PT Facebook Group to connect with other PTs/PTAs treating dancers Explore the Dance PT Program CEU Course for in-depth learning on treating all dancers and marketing your practice: danceptprogram.com

Knee health is critical for dancers, and sometimes unique conditions like a discoid meniscus can fly under the radar until pain, catching, or instability shows up in the studio. In this episode, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, walks physical therapists and PTAs through: Understanding what a discoid meniscus is and how it differs from a normal meniscus Recognizing early signs and symptoms in dancers Evidence-based PT strategies for pre- and post-surgical care Dance-specific rehab and prevention techniques to maintain safe, sustainable movement Whether you’re preparing dancers for surgery, helping them recover, or optimizing long-term knee health, this episode gives practical, clinically relevant tools to support your performers. Resources Mentioned: Dance PT Facebook Group — connect with other dance PTs/PTAs Dance PT Program CEU Course — deepen your expertise at danceptprogram.com 🎧 Listen now and empower your dancers to move pain-free and safely back into their craft.

Diabetes can affect more than blood sugar — for dancers, it can impact energy, coordination, strength, and performance endurance. In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, shares evidence-based strategies for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to support dancers with diabetes. Learn how to: Design personalized exercise and endurance programs Improve balance, coordination, and proprioception Support foot health and wound care Prevent fatigue and overuse injuries in the studio This episode is full of practical, clinically grounded insights for PTs/PTAs working with dancers — and a quick nod to other performers who may benefit too. Join the conversation in the Dance PT Facebook Group and explore the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com to deepen your knowledge and grow your practice.

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT Certified, discusses Degenerative Disk Disease in dancers. Learn how repetitive spinal loading from jumps, backbends, and turns can impact disk health, and how physical therapists can assess, treat, and prevent symptoms. Jenna shares practical, evidence-based strategies for strengthening, mobility, postural training, activity modification, and more — all tailored specifically for dancers. Whether you’re managing a dancer with occasional back discomfort or designing preventative programs for your studio, this episode provides clinical insight, research references, and actionable guidance to help dancers maintain a resilient spine and long-lasting performance careers. Connect & Learn More: Facebook Group: Dance PT Community for PTs/PTAs CEU Course: danceptprogram.com

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, dives into Cuboid Syndrome, a foot injury that’s small in size but big in performance impact. Dancers—especially those doing ballet, contemporary, acro, or partner work—are susceptible due to repetitive jumping, toe-pointed positions, and weight-bearing on the outside of the foot. You’ll learn: How to recognize cuboid syndrome symptoms in dancers Evidence-based assessment and treatment strategies for PTs and PTAs How to integrate manual therapy, strengthening, and mobility exercises Prevention tips to keep dancers performing safely This episode is designed for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants looking to deepen their understanding of dancer-specific injuries and rehab techniques. 💬 Connect with other dance rehab professionals in the Dance PT Facebook Group. 📚 For a deeper dive into dancer rehab and marketing your practice, check out the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com .

Dancers put their elbows—and the ulnar nerve—under unique stress through floor work, handstands, lifts, and partnering. In this episode, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, discusses Cubital Tunnel Syndrome in dancers, helping PTs and PTAs recognize early signs, implement evidence-based interventions, and guide prevention strategies. Topics include: Key symptoms to watch for: tingling, numbness, and grip weakness Dance-specific movements that stress the ulnar nerve Physical therapy strategies: nerve gliding, strengthening, activity modification, and posture education When imaging is helpful and referral considerations Prevention tips to keep dancers performing safely This episode is perfect for clinicians wanting practical, dancer-focused guidance. Connect with other dance PTs/PTAs in the Dance PT Facebook Group and explore the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com for deeper learning and marketing your dancer-focused practice.

Even a “minor” concussion can significantly impact a dancer’s coordination, focus, and confidence. In this episode, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT Certified, walks physical therapists and PTAs through the signs, symptoms, and evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for dancers with concussion. Learn how to: Identify physical, cognitive, and emotional signs of concussion in dancers Conduct a comprehensive, dancer-focused assessment Implement graded vestibular, vision, strength, and endurance interventions Guide dancers safely back to rehearsal and performance Understand the role of imaging and when it is—and isn’t—helpful This episode also includes practical tips for preventing re-injury and supporting dancers’ full recovery. Join the Dance PT Facebook Group to connect with other dance PTs/PTAs, share cases, and discuss strategies, or deepen your knowledge with the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com

Why does a tiny ankle sprain turn into months—or even years—of debilitating pain for some dancers? In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, host Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, unpacks one of the most complex and misunderstood pain conditions in dance medicine: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). CRPS is not “drama” or “in their head”—it is a real, neuroinflammatory pain disorder where the nervous system becomes overprotective. Dancers may present with disproportionate pain, color or temperature changes, swelling, extreme sensitivity to touch, and fear of movement—even long after the original injury has healed. Early recognition and intervention can be the difference between full recovery and long-term disability. In this evidence-based and clinical-story-driven episode, Jenna breaks down: ✅ What CRPS is (and what it is NOT) ✅ Why dancers are uniquely at risk ✅ The Budapest Criteria and research-backed diagnostic approach ✅ How imaging fits in (and why it doesn’t confirm CRPS) ✅ Pain neuroscience and the “overprotective brain” ✅ The emotional toll of chronic, unexplained pain in performers ✅ The most effective PT treatment strategies: Graded motor imagery Pain neuroscience education Desensitization & sensory re-education Graded movement & functional progression Dance-specific return-to-performance planning ✅ When to refer to pain specialists and build a multidisciplinary care team If you want dancers to trust you, refer to you, and come back to you—understanding conditions like CRPS is what separates a generalist from a true Performing Arts PT. 🎧 Listen now and level up your ability to support dancers through complex pain with confidence and compassion. 👉 Want to connect with dance PTs around the world? Join the Dance Physical Therapists Facebook Group—it’s the #1 community for clinicians who treat dancers. 👉 Want CEUs and step-by-step dance rehab training? Check out the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com.

Chronic pain can silently derail a performer’s career, yet it’s often misunderstood or dismissed as “just part of the job.” In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT certified, dives into why performers are uniquely vulnerable to chronic pain, how the nervous system perpetuates it, and how physical therapists and PTAs can intervene effectively. You’ll learn: How to recognize chronic pain versus ongoing tissue injury Performance-specific assessment and movement retraining strategies Evidence-based approaches for nervous system recalibration Manual therapy, lifestyle, and recovery tools tailored for performers Prevention strategies to reduce the risk of pain becoming chronic This episode is designed specifically for physical therapists and PTAs who work with dancers, musicians, actors, and other performers, offering practical insights and clinical strategies you can apply immediately. Connect with other dance-focused clinicians in the Dance PT Facebook Group, and explore the Dance PT Program CEU Course at danceptprogram.com to deepen your understanding of assessment, treatment, and marketing your performing arts practice.

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT certified, explores Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in dancers, musicians, actors, and stage professionals. CFS is more than just fatigue—it’s a complex condition affecting energy production, immune function, and the autonomic nervous system. Performers are at unique risk due to irregular schedules, intense physical demands, and high stress. This episode will guide PTs and PTAs through: Recognizing post-exertional malaise and other key CFS symptoms Assessment strategies for performers experiencing unexplained fatigue Evidence-based physical therapy approaches, including energy conservation, gentle strengthening, manual therapy, and pacing strategies Prevention tips to help performers sustain artistry without sacrificing health When imaging and referral are appropriate Learn how to support performers in reclaiming their stamina and continuing to perform safely and effectively. 💬 Join the Dance PT Facebook Group to discuss strategies with other clinicians. 📚 Deepen your knowledge with the Dance PT Program CEU Course: danceptprogram.com

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

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