Dance Medicine Physical Therapy

Dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading demand a unique combination of strength, flexibility, control, power, and artistry. These athletes aren’t just moving — they’re jumping, landing, turning, tumbling, and performing under high physical and mental demands.

At Strive2LiveWell Physical Therapy & Wellness, our Dance Medicine Physical Therapy program is designed specifically for performers who need more than generic rehab. We help athletes recover from injury, prevent future issues, and return to performance stronger than before.

What Is Dance Medicine Physical Therapy?

Dance Medicine Physical Therapy is a specialized form of orthopedic and sports physical therapy that focuses on the biomechanics, training demands, and injury patterns unique to dancers, gymnasts, and cheerleaders.

Unlike traditional physical therapy, Dance Medicine PT considers:

• Turnout mechanics

• Pointe and demi-pointe strength

• Jump and landing technique

• Tumbling forces and repetitive impact

• Flexibility vs. stability balance

• Performance-specific movement patterns

Our approach doesn’t just treat pain — it restores movement quality, control, and confidence, so athletes can safely return to class, practice, and competition.

Who Benefits from Dance Medicine PT?

Dance Medicine Physical Therapy is ideal for:

• Dancers (ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, tap)

• Gymnasts (recreational through competitive)

• Cheerleaders (sideline, competitive, tumbling-focused)

• Young athletes in growth phases

• Performers returning after injury

• Athletes with recurring or “nagging” pain

• Pre-season or in-season athletes looking to prevent injury

Whether your athlete is dancing recreationally or competing at a high level, early, specialized care can make a huge difference in longevity and performance.

Common Conditions Treated in Dance Medicine PT

Because of the repetitive and high-impact nature of these sports, dancers, gymnasts, and cheerleaders are prone to specific injuries. We commonly treat:

Lower Extremity Injuries

• Ankle sprains & chronic ankle instability

• Achilles tendinitis

• Stress reactions & stress fractures

• Shin splints

• Foot pain & overuse injuries

Knee & Hip Conditions

• Patellofemoral pain (runner’s knee)

• Hip impingement (FAI)

• Hip flexor strains

• Labral irritation

• Growth-related pain (Osgood-Schlatter, Sever’s disease)

Spine & Core Issues

• Low back pain

• Spondylolysis / stress injuries

• Core weakness affecting performance

• Postural imbalances

Performance-Limiting Issues

• Flexibility limitations

• Poor landing mechanics

• Balance and control deficits

• Recurrent injuries despite rest

Our goal is not just to heal the injury — but to identify the root cause so it doesn’t keep coming back.

What Makes Our Approach Different?

Our Dance Medicine PT Program is led by Dr. Becca, who brings a unique athlete's perspective to physical therapy. As a former competitive gymnast and dancer, she understands firsthand the demands of dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading. Her passion for these sports evolved from performing to helping athletes recover, perform better, and stay injury-free. With a strong orthopedic and sports-focused approach, Dr. Becca's deep understanding of these disciplines allows her to deliver targeted, effective care that truly resonates with the athletes she treats.

At Strive2LiveWell, Dance Medicine PT includes:

• One-on-one evaluations

• Movement and technique analysis

• Strength, stability, and mobility training

• Return-to-dance / return-to-tumbling progressions

• Injury prevention strategies

• Education for athletes and parents

We collaborate with athletes to build stronger, more resilient bodies that can handle the demands of their sport — not just survive them.

Helping Athletes Move, Perform & Thrive

Pain doesn’t have to be “part of the sport.” With the right care, dancers, gymnasts, and cheerleaders can stay healthy, confident, and performing at their best.

If your athlete is struggling with pain, recovering from an injury, or simply wants to move better and train smarter, Dance Medicine Physical Therapy may be the missing piece.

Ready to learn more or schedule an evaluation?
Contact Dr. Becca at Strive2LiveWell Physical Therapy & Wellness today and let’s keep your athlete doing what they love — safely and strongly.

📍 Strive2LiveWell Physical Therapy & Wellness
220 Leavenworth Road, Shelton, CT
📞 (203) 803-4465
🌐 www.strive2livewell.com
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