PT Management of the Performing Artist

This elective course is designed as an introduction for students wishing to gain competencies related to physical therapy for dancers. Target patient population will be ballet, modern and post-modern dancers. The elective will help students begin to develop a template for structuring assessment and interventions with the above patient population, as well as cultivate the independent clinical reasoning skills required in a direct-access environment.

Populations (dancers, dance teachers, and choreographers) in settings specific to their professions and emphasizing lifespan issues in the field. The condition of direct access in on-site facilities enables patients to contact PT quickly when troubles arise and encourages the clinician in clinical decision-making early in the history of an injury or condition. The elective will emphasize recognition of certain characteristic patterns of injury, differential diagnosis and red flags, including when to refer to other health care professionals, recognizing cultural issues in the delivery of care for these patient populations, lifespan issues, appropriate therapeutic exercise progressions, and patient education and self-care.