The Dance Physio Podcast

Part 4 of a mini series on flexibility for dancers. In this episode, I'll discuss active mobility and how it relates to dancer mobility. You'll learn what active mobility is, examples of the difference between passive and active mobility, and ways to incorporate it into your dance classes. Be the first to know all the details of a new flexibility program for teachers, which will harness...

Part 3 of a mini series on flexibility for dancers. In this episode, I'll discuss the nervous system's role in mobility. You'll learn some basic anatomy around the structure and function of the nervous system, and how that impacts mobility within the body. I'll also discuss some basic principles of using the nervous system to improve mobility and make faster and safer gains in...

Part 2 of a mini series on flexibility for dancers. In this episode, I'll answer the question about whether overstretching really is bad for dancers. You'll learn the difference between muscular and connective tissue, and why changes to connective tissue can be problematic in the long run. I'll also discuss how overstretching might affect a hypermobile dancer, and why we need to pro...

Part 1 of a mini series on flexibility for dancers. In this episode, I'll discuss the difference between flexibility and mobility, and why understanding the difference is important to see improvements in mobility for dancers.  Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com Sign up for my newsletter...

In this episode, I'll discuss training load management for dancers. I'll dive into why poor  load management is a risk factor for injury, and ways to mitigate this risk. You'll learn the factors that affect training load, as well as various ways to measure and monitor training load. Podcast Episode 6: Periodization in Dance Podcast Episode 9: Rest and Recovery for Dancers Training L...

In this episode, I'll discuss rest and recovery for dancers and why lack of recovery is one of the single biggest challenges that dancers face. I'll dive into the current culture of more more more , and why this is problematic - especially for adolescent dancers. You'll learn the difference between active and passive recovery and why both are important, as well as how sleep relates...

In this episode, I'll discuss all things related to turnout. You'll learn the main contributors to turnout, and why some dancers have more natural turnout than others. I'll also discuss the most effective strategy for improving turnout, and why for some dancers improving turnout probably isn't their best goal. Images for hip anatomical variations: click here Blog Post: How Do I...

In this episode, I'll discuss all things dance conditioning. You'll learn the difference between cross-training and supplementary training, and the benefits of each. I'll also discuss my recommendations for incorporating conditioning in dance schedules, and how much cross-training dancers should really be doing. Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerik...

In this episode, I'll discuss periodization and how it can be implemented into dance specific settings. You'll learn the most common phases of periodization - pre season, in season, post season and off season - and what dancers should be prioritizing during each specific phase. Periodization and Programming for Peak Performance webinar: Click here   Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow...

In this episode, I'll discuss the current landscape with regards to injury rates in dance. You'll learn common terminology used when discussing injury rates, and how dance injury rates compare with other sports populations.  Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com Sign up for my newslet...

In this episode, I'll discuss the who, what, where, when and why of pre-pointe assessments. You'll learn the science behind pre-pointe testing, as well as the 3 most important physical tasks to determine pointe readiness. Resources discussed in this episode: The Pre-Pointe Assessment Toolkit https://www.allegroperformance.com/ballet-resources   Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on...

In this episode, you'll hear why I think EVERY dancer should have access to dance specific care. I discuss what makes dancers' healthcare needs unique, and what sets them apart from other athletes and patient populations. Resources discussed in this episode: International Association for Dance Medicine and Science: https://iadms.org/ Doctors for Dancers: https://doctorsfordancers.com/  ...

In this episode, I'll discuss the specifics around dance specific screening assessments. You'll learn the components of dance screen, what makes it different from a general functional movement screen, how often dancers should have a screening assessment done and resources for conducting dancer screens. Resources discussed in this episode: Healthy Dancer Canada Healthcare Practitioner and...

In this episode, I discuss my journey into becoming a dance physiotherapist. From falling in love with dance as a young child, my own experiences of attending physiotherapy as a teenager and realizing that teaching dance wasn’t for me. You’ll hear about my post-secondary eduction journey, and how that led to a clinical practice that specializes in dancers and artistic athletes. Learn more about Er...