The Dance Physio Podcast

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common type of anterior knee pain see in growing kids and adolescents. In this episode, you'll learn what causes Osgood-Schlatter disease, common symptoms associated with it as well as treatment approaches for dancers dealing with it. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 28: Growth Plate Injuries in Dancers Learn more about Erika Mayall:...

Although not one of the most common injuries we see in dancers, the impact they can have on a dancer's ability to train and perform can be significant. In this episode, we discuss: What the glenoid labrum is and why it's important for shoulder function Common causes of shoulder labral tears Different types of labral tears Symptoms and diagnosis of shoulder labral tears Treatment options...

On this week's podcast, I'm joined by Karen Sheriff and Suki McConnon of Project RED-D to discuss relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) and Project RED-D - a global initiative raising the visibility of RED-S in dance.   We discuss: What RED-S/RED-D actually is and who is at risk Common symptoms associated with RED-D What Project RED-D is, how it came about and it's main goals...

Following Episode 123 on spondylolysis in dancers, we continue to explore causes of extension-based low back pain. In this episode, I break down facet joint injuries including: What is a facet joint injury Common presentation and symptoms associated with facet joint injuries Diagnosis of facet joint injuries Treatment and dance modifications for rehabbing from a facet joint injury Additional podca...

On this week's episode, I'm joined by registered sports dietician Maria Tanielian for a conversation about what it takes for dancers to fuel their bodies for the demands of dance. We discuss how nutrition can be utilized as a tool to aid recovery from the daily rigours of training and performance, as well as how it may need to be adapted when recovering from an injury. About Maria: Maria...

Inspired after spending the day at an incredible dance convention for dancers ages 18+, in this episode I'm sharing the 5 pillars of longevity for adult dancers to have a healthy and successful experience in dance. The adult dance community is thriving, and taking care of these 5 pillars will ensure that dancers can enjoy it for years to come! Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this epi...

Low back pain is common among youth athletes and young dancers, and spondylolysis is the most common identifiable cause of it. In this episode, I break down why dancers are so susceptible to spondylolysis, common causes of it, how it is diagnosed and treatment/management of the condition. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 25: Stress Fractures in Dancers Resources from...

The 2026 Winter Olympics just concluded in Milano-Cortina, and like many people I was absolutely glued to my TV for the duration of the games. For anyone who has followed me for any length of time, this won't come as a surprise - I am a huge sports fan, and especially love the Olympic Games.  There are so many parallels between amateur sport (especially the lesser known sports that only reall...

Not every dancer dreams of performing, and even the most successful performers have to transition out of performance careers at some point. In the past, many dancers assumed the only way to stay in the dance industry was to go into teaching or coaching. In this episode, we explore alternate career options connected to the dance industry that do not involve performing or teaching. Whether you'...

If you've been around for any length of time, you know how much I LOVE the Olympics. The recent Milano Cortina Winter Games just concluded, and these games showcased some high profile athletes who were competing while injured (or had to make the difficult decision not to). In this podcast episode, I break down some of the decision making processes that elite level athletes and their teams use...

Inspired by my recent talk at The Dancewear Association of Canada conference, in this episode I summarize some of the common challenges we see in pointe shoe fitting.  I have broken down these challenges into 2 main categories: skin/nail health and structural/biomechanical issues. This episode goes through some of the common causes of these issues, both from a shoe fitting perspective and a physic...

This week I'm joined by Caitlin Sloan of The Brainy Ballerina to talk about all things related to auditions. Caitlin shares her approach to helping dancers not just survive, but thrive during audition season. She answers questions such as: How far in advance you should be preparing for an audition When to consider in-person vs a video audition How to approach an audition when dealing with or...

In this episode we dive into chondromalacia and how it affects dancers. You'll learn what exactly chrondromalacia is, how it is graded and what causes it. You'll also learn the most common ways it presents in dancers, and best practice for treatment of it. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 59: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Dancers Episode 86: Femoroacetabul...

With rates of scoliosis in dancers reported to be as high as 20-30% of dancers, it's no wonder this is a topic that gets a lot of attention within the dance world. As a follow-up to last week's episode (Episode 115: Scoliosis 101 with Andrea Mendoza of The ScoliClinic), in this week's episode I discuss the practicalities of dancing with scoliosis. You'll learn the difference be...

This week I'm joined by scoliosis expert and owner of The ScoliClinic Andrea Mendoza. Andrea shares her story and the inspiration behind opening a clinic specific for scoliosis clients and their families. We also touch on: what exactly scoliosis is and how it affects the body the pathophysiology behind scoliosis and why it happens how scoliosis affects dancer populations signs to look out for...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work with a dance physiotherapist? Or specifically with me or one of the physiotherapists at Allegro Performance + Wellness? In this podcast episode, I discuss the 5 key pillars of the philosophy that guides my approach to treatment and rehabilitation when working with dancers and other artistic athletes. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this e...

Welcome to 2026! On this podcast episode, I share my word of the year for 2026, as well as the process behind how and why I pick a word of the year. If you're looking for something a little different than traditional New Year's Resolutions (or maybe in addition to), have a listen to find out all about choosing a word of the year. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Epi...

The winter break is fast approaching, and dancers are starting to think about how to get the most out of their time off. In this podcast episode, I dive into what your priorities for winter break training should be, especially if your break is on the longer side (ie longer than 2 weeks). I also discuss using the winter break to address any injuries or aches/pains that have crept up over the past w...

Have you ever wondered why dancer's joints make so much noise? In this podcast episode, you'll learn what's actually happening when joints snap, crackle and pop, why it's so common in dancers, and when to be concerned about it. Episodes mentioned in this podcast: Episode 51: Snapping Hip Syndrome in Dancers Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerik...

The wait is over! The 2025 Holiday Gift Guide is here! On this week's podcast episode, I bring you some of my favourite products for the dancers (or dance teachers ;) on your holiday list! Before you head out for your holiday shopping, have a listen and see which dancer health and wellness products I recommend. Access the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide *Note: links below are not affiliate links and...

Mental rehearsal (also known as Motor Imagery) is the practice of mentally simulating a movement without physical exertion. It has a multitude of benefits, many of which can be utilized by dancers when they are not able to physically participate in class 100%. On this episode of the podcast, you will learn the theory behind how motor imagery works, the research behind it's benefits, and how d...

I just returned from the Healthy Dancer Canada annual conference which was held in Montreal, QC this month. Attending conferences (and any professional development opportunities really) is high on my list of things that fill my bucket, and this conference is no exception. On this week's podcast episode, I discuss what makes this particular conference unique compared with other conferences I a...

Pelvic health for dancers is an area of clinical practice that is currently growing in research and awareness. This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Brooke Winder to discuss pelvic health issues that are common in dancers. In this episode, we cover common pelvic health symptoms that dancers (of all ages) may experience, why stubborn back, pelvic girdle or hip pain may actually be relate...

Progressing to pointe work has long been considered a rite of passage for many aspiring ballet dancers. However, it does not come without risks. Dancing en pointe increases the forces placed on the foot by up to 12x bodyweight, and if progressed too soon can lead to an increased risk of pain and injury. Historically, dancers were thought to be ready to start training en pointe at 12 years of age. ...

Did you know that despite ballet being predominantly populated by cis gender girls in training settings (92% in the UK), men take up the vast majority of leadership roles (artistic directors, choreographers etc). In this week's podcast episode, I sit down with Anna Morgan to chat about her master's research into gender equity in ballet leadership and training, and what she's learned...