What is dance and performing arts medicine?
Dance and performing arts medicine is a specialized area of care dedicated to the unique physical, artistic, and psychological demands of performing artists. Dancers, musicians, vocalists, actors, and circus artists train and perform at an elite level, often with repetitive movement, extreme ranges of motion, and intensive training schedules. These demands can increase the risk of injury and affect long-term performance.
At Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine, our Dance and Performing Arts Medicine Program brings together clinical excellence, movement expertise, and a deep understanding of the performing arts. We focus on injury prevention, precise diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and performance-informed rehabilitation so artists can return to what they love stronger, safer, and more confident.
Who we treat
We provide specialized care for performing artists at every stage of training and performance, including:
- Dancers across all styles, including ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, social dance, folkloric dance, and modern/contemporary
- Musicians and vocalists
- Theater performers and actors
- Circus artists and acrobats
- Dance educators, instructors, and choreographers
- Artists preparing for auditions, competitions, and conservatory training
While many dancers begin training in childhood, the physical demands, injury risks, and performance goals of adult performers require specialized, age-specific care. Our team consists of operative and non-operative physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, sports dieticians, sport psychologists, and massage therapists.
What we treat
- Pointe and tap shoe-related injuries
- Foot, ankle, hip, spine, shoulder, and knee injuries
- Overuse conditions, stress fractures, tendonitis, and muscular pain
- Partnering and lifting injuries
Our services
- Blood flow restriction
- Diagnostic imaging services
- Dry needling
- Hand therapy
- Ultrasound-guided injections
- Massage
- Nutrition counseling
- Orthopedic surgery
- Physical therapy
- PRP and other regenerative medicine techniques
- Shockwave therapy
- Sport psychology
Get in touch
We're here to help you heal, perform, and thrive. Whether you're a dancer recovering from injury or a musician seeking support, our team is ready to care for you with locations across Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
