About this episode
This episode discusses Achilles tendinopathy and its impact on performers, offering insights on treatment and prevention strategies.
Achilles tendinopathy is the performer’s silent antagonist—creeping up mid-leap, in chase scenes, or just while standing in character shoes. In this episode of Performers Happiness in the Arts (PHARTS), Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, dance medicine specialist and performer, walks dancers, singers, actors, and musicians through understanding, treating, and preventing Achilles tendon pain. You’ll learn: Why 12% of dancers, 15–18% of actors, and 10% of singers experience Achilles issues (Hawkins & Beyer, London, 2019; Ackermann et al., Sydney, 2017) How overuse, footwear, and rehearsal patterns contribute to tendon stress Physical therapy strategies including eccentric strengthening, mobility work, and performance-specific training Prevention tips to keep your tendon healthy for years of performing 🩰 Need individualized care? Visit Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy —serving Pittsburgh, PA and New York performers via Telehealth. 🎥 FREE YouTube Resources: Dancer Injury Prevention Singer Posture and Breathing Tips Actor Mobility and Stage Stamina 🎭 Don’t let your Achilles steal the show—heal, strengthen, and return to the stage pain-free!
People in this episode
Host: Jenna Kantor
Topics covered
- Achilles tendinopathy
- dance medicine
- performer health
- injury prevention
- physical therapy
- performance training
Keywords
- Achilles tendon pain
- dancer injury
- performer health
- eccentric strengthening
- mobility work
- performance-specific training
- injury prevention tips
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy, Hawkins & Beyer, Ackermann et al.
Books & works: Performers Happiness in the Arts
Places: Pittsburgh, PA, New York
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- Healing the Performer’s Ankle Fracture · June 2, 2026 · 9 min
- How Physical Therapy Enhances Performer Health · May 26, 2026 · 9 min
- Pilates Transforming the Performance Game · May 19, 2026 · 9 min
- The Movement That Hurts- AC Joint Injuries in Performers · May 12, 2026 · 9 min
- The Ache That Steals the Spotlight · April 28, 2026 · 10 min
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