Dancer & Performance Artist Physiotherapy
Dance is both an art and a sport. Dancer & performance artist physiotherapy is a specialized approach to care that supports dancers through injury recovery, performance optimization, and long-term injury prevention.
At Foundation Physiotherapy and Wellness, we combine evidence-based physiotherapy with an in-depth understanding of dance technique, training demands, and performance goals. Unlike general physiotherapy, dance physiotherapy focuses on how your body moves within your dance style, not just daily activities.
“Targeted strength and conditioning improves performance and may reduce injury risk in dancers.”
Journal of Dance Medicine & Science
We offer three programs, allowing dancers to receive support that matches where they are, and where they want to go.
How much do we know about treating dancers? So much so, that Toronto’s best dance crew, the Toronto Raptors North Side Crew trusts us with their care!
Dance Physiotherapy Programs
1.Return to Dance
(6 week program)
Week 1: Initial Assessment
Weeks 2 to 6: 4 to 6 sessions (will be determined on initial assessment, based on injury and individual capacity)
Designed for dancers experiencing pain or recovering from injury.
- Dance-specific, science-driven assessment
- Clear return-to-dance goal setting
- Individualized, dance-specific rehabilitation program
- Hands-on manual therapy to support recovery
Our focus is not only returning you to dance, but helping you return strong, confident, and well-prepared.
2. Dance Better: Strength Program
(8-week program)
Week 1: Initial Assessment
Weeks 2 to 8: 8 to 12 dance specific strength and performance sessions (will be determined on initial assessment, based on dance intensity, frequency and style), utilizing a combination of physiotherapy/chiropractic and massage therapy.
For dancers who are currently pain-free and want to improve strength, control, and resilience.
- Comprehensive performance and baseline assessment
- Specific performance optimization goals
- Individualized, dance-specific strength and conditioning program
“Strength training enhances movement efficiency and supports injury prevention in dancers.”
Physical Therapy in Sport
3. Combined: Return to Dance → Dance Better
12-week program
Week 1: Initial Assessment
Weeks 2 to 6 : (4-6 sessions) Return to Dance with introduction to loads at weeks 4 to 6
Weeks 7 to 12: (6-8 sessions) Dance Better: Strength Program
A combined pathway for dancers who want the full continuum of care.
Begin with the Return to Dance physiotherapy program to recover from your injury or symptoms, then progress seamlessly into Dance Performance to build strength, confidence, and long-term durability.
Ideal for dancers who don’t want to stop at “pain-free,” but want to dance better and prevent future breakdowns.
Who We Work With
We support dancers including but not limited to ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, street styles, and heels, tailoring care to the specific physical and technical demands of each style.
Ready to Get Started?
Submit the intake below and one of our dance physiotherapists will be in touch!
Common dance injuries
Dancing requires extreme strength, endurance, and the ability to maintain high levels of flexibility. No matter how enjoyable and liberating it may feel, dancing carries the risk of injury like any other aerobic activity.
Several different types of injuries can occur when it comes to dancers. Those who practice a more upbeat, quicker style of dancing can be more susceptible to sudden injuries.
Whatever style of dancing you practice, rest assured that a physiotherapist at Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness will be able to help if you’ve been hurt.
Some of the most common injuries seen in dancers include:
- Stress fractures – small cracks in bones due to overuse. Painful symptoms can worsen when moving the affected area.
- Dancer’s heel – occurs when the tissue at the back of the ankle becomes compressed due to the presence of a bony formation.
- Morton’s neuroma – a pinched nerve that causes pain between the toes and the ball of the foot.
- Plantar fasciitis – an inflammation of the tissue that stretches from the heels to the toes.
- Metatarsalgia – an inflammation in the ball of the foot due to overuse. Hallux rigidus – an injury affecting the joint at the base of the big toe, eventually making it hard to move the toe.
- Achilles tendonitis – a condition caused by overuse. In severe cases, treatment of Achilles tendonitis may require surgery.
- Sprained ankles – can occur from overuse of the lateral side of the ankle.
Reviews of our Dancer Physiotherapy Program:
This service is available at
Candace Choi
MScPT
Registered Physiotherapist, Dance Rehab and Performance Consultant, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Running Consultant
Candace Choi
MScPT
Registered Physiotherapist, Dance Rehab and Performance Consultant, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Running Consultant
Stephanie Fleming
PT
Registered Physiotherapist, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Dance Rehab and Performance Consultant, Running Consultant
Ready to dance better? Contact us today!
At Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness, we believe that the human body is meant to move. Our number one goal is to ensure that pain doesn’t prevent you from getting active and participating in the activities you love. We want to get you back to dancing, better and more informed than before!
If you’re a dancer seeking treatment or prevention, don’t hesitate to contact Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness. Our team has extensive experience treating clients like you and can get you back to dancing in no time!