Dance Medicine
Optimize your performance with the support of our physical therapy specialists.
What is dance medicine?
The practice of dance medicine is the treatment and prevention of dysfunction in the body of a dancer. Dancers of any genre can utilize dance medicine, as well as other performing artists including but not limited to gymnastics, cheer, figure skating, baton and contortion.
Who will benefit?
We understand that every dancer is different. Treatment is personalized and tailored to each dancer. Our specialists will work with you to design a program that fits your needs and goals. Our services are recommended for all ages of performing artists. We frequently work with recreational, competitive and professional dancers. Additionally, coaches, teachers and dance parents may find themselves benefiting from our services.
Services offered:
- 1:1 physical therapy rehabilitation to address injury, pain or post-operative surgery
- Complimentary injury screening
- Biomechanical technique and skills evaluation
- Baseline injury screening including access to our state-of-the-art Sports Lab technology
- Performance training: Customizable, private training sessions
- Custom wellness workshops designed for studios and teams, by request
- Formal partnerships available for studios and teams to access backstage care and onsite coverage
Meet our Specialists
Our board-certified therapists are passionate about working with dancers and performing artists of all ages and backgrounds. We strive to create a safe and comfortable environment where dancers can train and rehab successfully. Our providers have extensive experience training, performing and competing the competitive, collegiate and pre-professional level. Our ultimate goal is to help dancers sustain a long and healthy dance career. We believe in working with dancers as both artists and athletes.
Ellen Wendling, PT, DPT, OCS, CMT
- Board Certified in orthopedics
- Certified manual therapist
- Former member and coach of the nationally ranked St. Ambrose University Dance Team
- Professional member of International Association of Dance Medicine Specialists, Doctors for Dancers, American Physical Therapy Association and American Association of Orthopedic and Manual Physical Therapists
- Experience providing health care to dancers at the pre-professional and collegiate level
Megan Muller, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS
- Board Certified in Sports
- Strength and conditioning specialist
- B.F.A. in musical theatre
- Professional member of International Association of Dance Medicine Specialists, Doctors for Dancers, American Physical Therapy Association and American Association of Orthopedic and Manual Physical Therapists
- Experience providing health care to dancers at the collegiate and professional level
Schedule an Appointment
Appointments and bookings can be directed to the MercyOne Genesis Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Clinic in Bettendorf, IA. We can be reached at 563-421-9520. Questions can be directed to Ellen.Wendling@mercyone.org.
