Dance PT Podcast

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 demand...

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 n...

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 le...

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 sympto...

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, an...

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—spe...

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...

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...

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” a...

On this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT Certified, dives into a condition that can quietly but profoundly impact dancers: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). AS is a chronic inflammatory disease that targets the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and potentially vertebral fusion. For dancers, even subtle spinal restrictions can disrupt alignment,...

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT Certified, dives into one of the most dramatic and disruptive injuries for dancers, singers, and performers: biceps tendon rupture. Whether it happens mid-lift, during a port de bras, or while managing props and costumes, this injury can instantly rob performers of control, strength, and confidence. Designed specifically...

ACL injuries are among the most daunting challenges a dancer can face—but with dance-specific rehabilitation, thoughtful progression, and evidence-informed care, returning stronger than before is possible. In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, I’m breaking down everything PTs and PTAs need to know to treat dancers with ACL injuries effectively. We’ll start with a story you’ll recognize: that su...

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, I, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, break down ankle sprains in dancers from a clinical perspective. Using a story-driven approach, we explore why dancers are uniquely at risk, how lateral ankle sprains present in the performing arts, and what evidence-based rehabilitation looks like for performers. You’ll learn: Risk factors specific to dancers,...

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, I’m breaking down ankle impingement, a common but often overlooked condition that can quietly sideline dancers, gymnasts, and performers of all kinds. Whether it’s a sharp pinch at the front of the ankle during a plié, or a deep ache in the back during relevé or jumps, ankle impingement can compromise performance and increase the risk of chronic injury. As...

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, I, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, break down one of the most disruptive injuries for dancers and performing artists: the ankle fracture. Whether it’s a traumatic misstep during rehearsal or a stress-related overuse injury, ankle fractures can sideline performers and impact their artistry, confidence, and career trajectory. I’ll walk you through:...

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT Certified, takes a deep dive into AC joint injuries in dancers and performing artists. As clinicians, we often see dancers brush off shoulder pain as simple fatigue or a minor strain—but the AC joint plays a crucial role in overhead motion, partnering, and lifting during performances. I break down: The anatomy and biomech...

In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and Dance PT certified, dives into Achilles tendinopathy in dancers and performers—a common, often persistent injury that can silently impact performance. Designed specifically for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students, this episode provides: Evidence-based assessment strategies for clinicians Step-by-step r...

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-ba...

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...

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 Certifie...

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 str...

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—...

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 ✅ H...

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 pe...

🎙️ **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 trul...