Dance medicine therapy is a specialized field focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries in dancers and performing artists, aiming to optimize performance and longevity. It utilizes tailored rehabilitation, strength training, and biomechanical analysis, often provided by physical therapists with specialized expertise in dance.
While designed for ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dancers, this therapy also benefits performers in:
Gymnastics
Figure skating
Cheerleading
Unlike general sports medicine, dance medicine specifically addresses the unique artistic needs of dancers, such as the demand for extreme ranges of motion and specific aesthetic alignments.
Treatment may incorporate: flexibility, manual therapy, neuromuscular control, and functional strengthening, stabilization and plyometrics within dance specific exercises.
What is Physical Therapy for Dancers (Dance Medicine)?
Aquacare’s Dance Medicine Program offers a unique experience for athletes and performing artists providing individualized physical therapy tailored to all dance backgrounds. Certified dance medicine specialists provide one-on-one care to properly diagnose and return dancers safely to their activities. The dance medicine team at Aquacare Physical Therapy is dedicated to providing expertise in dance and performing arts, many of our dance specialists being former or current dancers themselves. Aquacare Dance Medicine is dedicated to the health and wellness of dancers and athletes of all levels.
What Does Physical Therapy for Dancers (Dance Medicine) Treat?
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Tendinitis
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Foot and Ankle Pain
Hip Impingement
Labral Tears
SIJ Dysfunctions
How Does Physical Therapy for Dancers (Dance Medicine) Provide Treatment for Common Dance Injuries?
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Tendinitis
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Foot and Ankle Pain
Hip Impingement
Labral Tears
SIJ Dysfunctions
Did You Know?
We can come to your dance studio and present specific clinics for your dancers. We can also host clinics for your dancers at our offices.
Katie Oakley, PTA graduated from Wor-Wic Community College with an Associate of Applied Science – Physical Therapist Assistant degree. In addition to this, Katie also has a Bachelor of Science – Exercise Science degree from Salisbury University. Katie has worked for Aquacare Physical Therapy in various positions, for the last six years while completing her degrees. More recently, Katie has gone on to receive her Dance Medicine Certification. Katie has danced competitively for 16 years where she trained at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City, performed at Disney, and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Katie then transitioned into teaching and choreography. She has choreographed for James M. Bennett’s Rock n’ Roll Revival, Community Players, and the Theatre Department at Salisbury University. Katie believes the need for Dance Medicine Physical Therapy is imperative in our area with multiple dance studios, pre-professional ballet studios, theatre companies and universities.
Katie Weber, DPT, CMTPT, COMT, Co-Clinical Director
Katie Weber, PT, DPT, CMTPT, COMT, has been an integral part of the Aquacare team since 2020, and serves as the Co-Clinical Director of our Salisbury location and as the Regional Director of Aquacare's Maryland clinics. In her role, Katie helps oversee operations, clinical quality and strategic growth and implementation across the Company.
She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2012. Since then, she has pursued advanced training and developed expertise in treating a wide range of patients, including those with sports injuries, geriatric conditions, joint replacements, and workers’ compensation cases. She is also a certified manual trigger point therapist (CMTPT) and certified orthopedic manual therapist (COMT), with advanced skills in dry needling.
Katie is committed to delivering exceptional patient care and creating the “WOW Factor” for our community. She achieves this through her hands-on clinical excellence and by providing dedicated mentorship to Aquacare’s growing team of therapists.
Specialties :
Shannon Arnie, PT, DPT, has more than 13 years of experience with physical therapy for a variety of orthopedic conditions and dance medicine. She is certified in LSVT BIG for Parkinson’s Disease, a certified vestibular therapist from American Institute of Balance, and holds certifications in Concussion Management and TMJ Disorders.
My philosophy of Care and Area of Interest includes customizing treatments for each patient through a combination of manual techniques and therapeutic exercises to maximize benefit of PT for each patient and return patient to prior level of function. Shannon earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Washington College (2008) and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from UMES (2012).
Shannon is a Clinical Instructor/mentor to PT and PTA students. Her vision is to continue improving manual skills as well as learning new treatment techniques to provide the highest level of care to all of our patients!
Mel Blankensop, PTA, has more than 20 years of experience. She prides herself on providing patients with a positive and educational environment to assist them in healing and being able to self-manage symptoms. She provides aquatic physical therapy, hands-on manual therapy, pediatrics, lymphedema, vestibular rehabilitation, pediatrics, general orthopedic rehabilitation and geriatrics.
She graduated magna cum laude from Delaware Technical Community College with an Associate Degree in Applied Health and obtained by MD and DE PTA license in 2014. She has taken several Great Lakes courses, including Myofascial Release, Functional Strength, Treatment of Common Extremities, The Foot and Ankles, The Lumbar Complex, Cervical, Thoracic and Rib Mobilizations, The Basics of SI Mobilization and Functional Anatomy. She also has taken several aquatic courses through The Aquatic Therapy Institute AND Aquatic University. She is a trained lymphedema therapist and has experience rehabbing and preventing injuries in the young athlete, and balance and vestibular training. She is also a credentialed clinical instructor.
Hannah Barger, PT, DPT, earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Evansville in 2025, where she also completed her undergraduate studies with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Medical Spanish. Hannah has completed certification as a Dance Medicine specialist and is now seeing dance clients in the clinic and also at area dance studios. Having danced competitively for 14 years, she understands the physical and emotional challenges that come with dance-related injuries. Her personal experience fuels her passion for helping dancers prevent injury and return to peak performance with confidence and strength. She is dedicated to supporting patients of all ages and backgrounds, whether recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, healing dance injuries. or striving to stay active and independent. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with family, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and ending the day with a good book.
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Benefits of Dance Medicine for Injury Prevention
Dance medicine focuses on preventing injuries through specialized training and education for dancers. By understanding the physical demands of dance, therapists can implement tailored strategies that enhance performance and reduce the risk of injuries.
Injury prevention strategies may include strength training, flexibility exercises, and proper warm-up routines. For instance, incorporating balance training can significantly decrease the likelihood of ankle sprains, a common injury among dancers. Furthermore, educating dancers about body mechanics helps them maintain optimal posture and alignment while performing.
Common Dance Injuries and Their Symptoms
Dancers are prone to a variety of injuries, each with distinct symptoms that can affect performance. Common injuries include ankle sprains, tendonitis, and stress fractures, which often arise from repetitive movements and high-impact activities.
For example, patellofemoral pain syndrome manifests as knee pain during activities like jumping or squatting, often linked to muscle imbalances. Recognizing these symptoms early allows dancers to seek appropriate treatment and avoid exacerbating their conditions, ensuring a quicker return to the stage.
Rehabilitation Techniques Used in Dance Medicine
Rehabilitation in dance medicine employs a range of techniques tailored to the unique needs of dancers. These may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to promote healing.
For instance, manual therapy can help restore mobility and alleviate pain in the joints and soft tissues. Additionally, therapeutic exercises are designed to strengthen specific muscle groups, enhancing overall stability and flexibility, which are crucial for a dancer’s performance and longevity in their career.
Scheduling an Appointment for Dance Medicine Services
To receive specialized care in dance medicine, scheduling an appointment is a straightforward process. Interested individuals can contact Aquacare/Fitness Forum Physical Therapy directly through their website or by phone to discuss their needs and set up an evaluation.
During the initial appointment, a certified dance medicine therapist will assess the dancer’s condition, discuss their goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan. This proactive approach ensures that dancers receive the support they need to recover effectively and return to their art with confidence.
Katie Oakley, PTA graduated from Wor-Wic Community College with an Associate of Applied Science – Physical Therapist Assistant degree. In addition to this, Katie also has a Bachelor of Science – Exercise Science degree from Salisbury University. Katie has worked for Aquacare Physical Therapy in various positions, for the last six years while completing her degrees. More recently, Katie has gone on to receive her Dance Medicine Certification. Katie has danced competitively for 16 years where she trained at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City, performed at Disney, and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Katie then transitioned into teaching and choreography. She has choreographed for James M. Bennett’s Rock n’ Roll Revival, Community Players, and the Theatre Department at Salisbury University. Katie believes the need for Dance Medicine Physical Therapy is imperative in our area with multiple dance studios, pre-professional ballet studios, theatre companies and universities. 
Katie Weber, PT, DPT, CMTPT, COMT, has been an integral part of the Aquacare team since 2020, and serves as the Co-Clinical Director of our Salisbury location and as the Regional Director of Aquacare's Maryland clinics. In her role, Katie helps oversee operations, clinical quality and strategic growth and implementation across the Company.
She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2012. Since then, she has pursued advanced training and developed expertise in treating a wide range of patients, including those with sports injuries, geriatric conditions, joint replacements, and workers’ compensation cases. She is also a certified manual trigger point therapist (CMTPT) and certified orthopedic manual therapist (COMT), with advanced skills in dry needling.
Katie is committed to delivering exceptional patient care and creating the “WOW Factor” for our community. She achieves this through her hands-on clinical excellence and by providing dedicated mentorship to Aquacare’s growing team of therapists.
Specialties :
Shannon Arnie, PT, DPT, has more than 13 years of experience with physical therapy for a variety of orthopedic conditions and dance medicine. She is certified in 
Mel Blankensop, PTA, has more than 20 years of experience. She prides herself on providing patients with a positive and educational environment to assist them in healing and being able to self-manage symptoms. She provides aquatic physical therapy, hands-on manual therapy, pediatrics, lymphedema, vestibular rehabilitation, pediatrics, general orthopedic rehabilitation and geriatrics.
She graduated magna cum laude from Delaware Technical Community College with an Associate Degree in Applied Health and obtained by MD and DE PTA license in 2014. She has taken several Great Lakes courses, including Myofascial Release, Functional Strength, Treatment of Common Extremities, The Foot and Ankles, The Lumbar Complex, Cervical, Thoracic and Rib Mobilizations, The Basics of SI Mobilization and Functional Anatomy. She also has taken several aquatic courses through The Aquatic Therapy Institute AND Aquatic University. She is a trained lymphedema therapist and has experience rehabbing and preventing injuries in the young athlete, and balance and vestibular training. She is also a credentialed clinical instructor. 
