The Movement That Hurts- AC Joint Injuries in Performers
From PHARTS Podcast by Jenna Kantor
May 12, 2026 · 9 min
About this episode
This episode discusses AC joint injuries in performers and offers insights on identification, treatment, and prevention strategies.
AC joint injuries can quietly sabotage your performance, from dancers lifting arms overhead, actors performing stage combat, to singers holding props or standing for extended periods. In this episode of Performers Happiness in the Arts (PHARTS), Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, dance medicine specialist and performer, explains how to identify, treat, and prevent AC joint injuries. Topics covered include: Prevalence in performers: 8–12% of dancers, 10–15% of actors, and 7–10% of singers (Micheli et al., Boston, 2016; Fryer, Australia, 2018; Ackermann et al., Sydney, 2017) Traumatic vs. overuse injuries Physical therapy strategies: manual therapy, scapular and rotator cuff strengthening, mobility restoration, and stage-specific return-to-dance training Prevention tips to maintain healthy, expressive arm lines 🩰 Need individualized care? Visit Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy for stage-ready assessment and treatment. Serving Pittsburgh, PA and New York performers via Telehealth. 🎥 Free YouTube Playlists for performer wellness: Dancer Injury Prevention Singer Posture and Breathing Tips Actor Mobility and Stage Stamina 🎭 Don’t let shoulder pain limit your artistry—recover, strengthen, and…
People in this episode
Host: Jenna Kantor
Topics covered
- AC joint injuries
- performer health
- dance medicine
- physical therapy
- injury prevention
- stage performance
Keywords
- AC joint injuries
- performers
- dance medicine
- physical therapy
- injury prevention
- stage combat
- singers
- actors
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy
Places: Pittsburgh, PA, New York
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