Dancers have an advantage going into physical therapy because of the amount of bodily knowledge they already possess. “Every hour they’ve ever spent building their dance technique is a step along the path toward becoming amazing physical therapists,” says Jennifer Morley, associate teaching professor at Drexel University.

Three dancers and a physical therapist share their experiences navigating the energy output necessary for a high level of performance, the preservation of artistic integrity and the maintenance of a healthy, balanced instrument.

While flexibility is beautiful onstage and is often a source of pride for dancers, it’s important to safeguard your lower back—and pay attention to aches and pains early—to ensure a long, healthy career.

Internal snapping hip often stems from a muscle imbalance linked with repetitive hip flexion from lifting the leg to the front, says Sarah Plumer-Holzman, a physical therapist at NYU Langone’s Harkness Center for Dance Injuries.

I would very much like to go back eight months in time and beg that naive version of myself to meet with a physical therapist before diving back into rigorous training. How I’m moving forward while managing an injury is this month’s topic.

High-impact activity, like dancing, is associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, says Brooke Winder, a physical therapist in Southern California dually trained in orthopedic and pelvic floor physical therapy.

I want to help dancers when I retire from performing. Can you tell me what jobs might work? —Julian, Washington, DC Dancers often excel at a variety of careers because of their amazing work ethic. Many go on to become physical therapists, doctors, social workers, Pilates instructors, acupuncturists or massage therapists. Obviously, each vocation has […]

My artistic director suggested that I get surgery to fix my average flexibility if I want a company contract. Yet he casts me in nice roles even as an apprentice. I don’t know what to do. —Anonymous Getting surgery to improve your flexibility does not work and would be a waste of your time and […]