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"It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer."
- Shanna LeFleur
Dancers Are Not Like Other Athletes —Their Care Shouldn’t Be Either
The needs of a dancer are unlike any other athlete. From a year round training schedule that starts at a very young age to the diverse physical challenges of multiple dance styles, dancers require specialized care. The experts at Prime Physical Therapy & Sports Performance understand the unique biomechanics of dance and combine this knowledge with evidence-based rehabilitation techniques to help dancers recover, strengthen, and perform at their best.
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Their sport is unique. Their healthcare should be unique, too.
Dance-Specific Physical Therapy Tailored to Your Athlete
Our approach to rehabilitation is built on a deep understanding of dance technique, movement patterns, and the physical demands placed on a dancer’s body. Our one on one sessions begin with a comprehensive initial assessment and goal setting based on the dancer’s priorities. Plans of care are customized to build the dancer’s necessary recovery, strength, stability, and mobility for a safe return to full participation. Dancers are kept dancing as much and as soon as possible following injury. With parent approval, studio owners/instructors are communicated with directly for carry over of information.
Private/Semi-Private Dance Strength & Conditioning
Injury prevention is paramount for dancers to sustain long and healthy careers, allowing them to consistently train, rehearse, and perform without interruption. Prioritizing injury prevention in the young, growing dancer can help correct faulty habits, maintain flexibilty and ensure safety with progression to pointe or advanced levels.
Company & Dance Studio Programming
For dance studios and companies looking to provide specialized injury prevention and performance training, we offer customized group programming. Designed to meet the unique needs of your dancers, these programs consider skill level, dance disciplines, and studio-specific goals.
All dance programs are provided offsite at your studio at no additional charge.
Pre-Pointe Assessment
When is it safe to go en-pointe? We can help you figure that out. The session will begin with a musculoskeletal and flexibility assessment. Basic dance positions, movement analysis, as well as foundational pointe shoe recommendations will be addressed. Dancers are issued a home exercise program to address findings and improve their ability and safety to progress en-pointe.
- Overuse injuries (tendonitis, stress fractures, bursitis)-
- Sprains and strains (ankle, knee, hip)
- Hypermobile joint instability
- Pointe readiness assessments and injury prevention
- Post-surgical rehabilitation (ACL, labral repair, etc.)
- Hip impingement and snapping hip syndrome
- Lower back pain related to dance movements
- Foot and ankle conditions (plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy)
Common Dance-Related Conditions We Treat
ABOUT PRIME.
We specialize in rehabilitating and enhancing the performance of adolescent dancers. Whether recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or striving to optimize technique and strength, we bridge the gap between healing and peak performance. Our expertise in dance medicine allows us to create treatment plans that consider not only injury recovery but also the biomechanics and artistic demands of dance. Having worked in Sports Medicine and Orthopedics for most of my career, I became aware of the lack of specific care given to dancers, especially with return to activity guidelines. I decided that needed to change. I pursued several courses all over the country taught by Dance Medicine experts to gain the knowledge needed to treat this unique population. What I found out was two things. Dance mirrors musculoskeletal alignment which I already had a strong foundation in and I found my people. I love to treat dancers!
WHAT DANCERS & PARENTS ARE SAYING:
"Lori at Prime Physical Therapy is incredible! My 12-year-old daughter, a competitive dancer, was referred to Prime by Akron Children’s Sports Medicine for a knee issue. Lori provided exceptional care, working closely with my daughter to strengthen her knee and teach her proper landing techniques for leaps. She made the sessions engaging and provided thoughtful, effective exercises that my daughter could easily do at home. I highly recommend Lori and the team at Prime Physical Therapy for anyone in need of expert and attentive care!"
Jessica Segen, Parent
HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP
- One-on-one private sessions with a dance-specialized physical therapist
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your dancer’s goals and technique
- Advanced rehabilitation techniques, including manual therapy and neuromuscular re-education
- Injury prevention programs designed to improve strength, flexibility, and resilience
- Return-to-dance progressions that ensure a safe and strong comeback
- Group sessions to build strength, resiliency and to help set your studio up to excel on stage