Dance Physical Therapy for Injury Recovery, Performance, and Longevity

Back in Step Physical Therapy is a dance-specialized physical therapy practice in Centennial, Colorado helping dancers recover from injuries, improve technique, and prevent future injuries.

We provide one-on-one care for pre-professional, competitive, and professional dancers, including those with hypermobility or complex movement needs. Our approach combines injury rehabilitation, performance training, and movement education so dancers can move with confidence and sustain long-term careers.

Who we help:

  • Pre-professional and competitive dancers
  • Professional dancers and performers
  • Dancers with hypermobility
  • Dance educators and studios

What is dance physical therapy?

Dance physical therapy is specialized care designed to help dancers recover from injuries, improve performance, and support long-term movement health. It is different from general physical therapy because it is built around the specific technical and physical demands of dance.

This type of care combines injury rehabilitation, performance training, and injury prevention to support the full spectrum of a dancer’s training and career.

Whether you’re in the studio, on stage, or recovering from an injury, your body deserves care that understands the unique demands of dance.

Many dancers work with a dance physical therapist even when they are not injured to improve technique, increase performance capacity, and prevent future injuries.

Who is dance physical therapy for?

Dance physical therapy is designed for dancers at all stages of training—from serious students to professional performers.

We commonly work with:

  • Pre-professional, vocational, competitive, and professional dancers
  • Dancers with hypermobility (suspected or diagnosed)
  • Dance educators seeking expert consults or workshops

How does dance physical therapy support dancers?

Dance physical therapy supports dancers through injury recovery, performance development, and long-term health.

Dance Rehabilitation

Focused on helping dancers recover fully and safely return to training and performance.

  • Injury recovery & return-to-dance planning
  • Dance-specific rehab (not generic protocols)

Performance & Technique Optimization

Designed to improve movement efficiency, strength, and overall performance capacity.

  • Movement efficiency & technique refinement
  • Strength, control, and capacity for demanding choreography
  • Pointe readiness & pre-pointe development

Injury Prevention & Long-Term Health

Built to help dancers train consistently while reducing the risk of injury and burnout.

  • Proactive care for high training loads
  • Managing hypermobility & recurrent issues
  • Support through competition seasons and intensives

Why choose Back in Step Physical Therapy?

Back in Step Physical Therapy was created specifically for dancers who need care that understands both the demands of performance and the mechanics of the human body.

Meet Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS

Dr. Alyssa Arms is a physical therapist, dance medicine specialist, and lifelong dancer. She works with dancers of all styles and levels—from recreational teens and adult hobby dancers to competitive students and professionals performing on international stages.

She is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), bringing advanced expertise in treating musculoskeletal conditions and movement-related injuries.

This breadth of experience allows her to tailor care to each dancer’s specific goals, training demands, and movement patterns.

Dr. Alyssa is also faculty with the University of Colorado Physical Therapy program, contributing to the education of future physical therapists.

A collaborative, dancer-centered approach

Her approach blends evidence-based care with a deep understanding of the physical and emotional demands of performance.

At Back in Step Physical Therapy, you’ll find care that is:

  • Personalized rehabilitation and performance plans
  • A collaborative, judgment-free environment
  • Care designed specifically for dancers and performers
  • A provider who speaks your language—turnout, pointe shoes, and triple steps included

More than injury rehab

While many dancers come in for injury care, others work with Dr. Alyssa to improve technique, build strength, and support long-term performance.

The goal is not just to get you back to dance—but to help you move better, perform more fully, and continue dancing for years to come. Whether you’re training seriously, performing professionally, or dancing for the joy of it, your care is designed to support your individual goals.

Dr. Alyssa is the best! My daughter is a classical ballet dancer and saw Dr. Alyssa over a few years. She took care of my daughter’s injuries but more importantly helped her build strength and balance to avoid injuries. Highly recommend!

Kim

For the past several years, I have repeatedly suffered from agonizing pain and immobility in my ankles and feet. I recently became a patient of Dr. Arms and for the first time in years, I am able to walk, dance and live without pain, naturally.

LaWanna

Alyssa is an excellent physical therapist. I would recommend her to anyone in need of PT…. Alyssa is very knowledgable, and is also super dedicated to her chosen field and it shows in her care. Thanks Alyssa!!

Valerie

Full-time mover & dancer writing here –

Alyssa is incredible at what she does. Myself being someone who has experienced injury (minor and significant) throughout my career and seen many different bodyworkers along the way, Alyssa’s techniques and knowledge are so helpful. I’m excited to know I’ve found someone who I can go to to help me maintain and care for my body for years to come.

I’m so glad I found her, I only wish it had been sooner!

TJ

I have never been so pleased at my decision and I feel that I was ‘gifted’ to find Dr. Alyssa. I have been doing PT with her for 2 1/2 months now, and have cancelled my surgery entirely. Dr. Alyssa is in a class by herself – of truly taking a tailored/individualized approach to the true needs of the patient.

I am 61 years old who wants to be able to enjoy my life fully. I am already dancing again but now without any knee wraps and contraptions – full throttle. I still have a way to go, but to already be able to do the #1 thing (dancing) I love to do effortlessly, is living ‘heaven on earth’ for me. Thanks Dr. Alyssa for your expertise, your ability to reassess my needs each visit and overall, for helping me teach my other muscles how to get on board and support my knees.

Savoi

We feel very lucky to have found Dr. Alyssa at Back In Step PT. She takes great care to ensure my dancer is not only recovering well, but getting stronger for injury prevention and success down the road. She’s quick to respond, which is so helpful when you’re a stressed out parent of an injured athlete. In addition to treating patients at appointments, she puts together customized, comprehensive plans to take home and continue the work there, which helps not only with recovery time and strength building, but gives my dancer a sense of responsibility and control over her recovery.

Dr. Alyssa takes a very holistic approach, looking at nutrition and other factors that may come into play. Plus, everything she recommends has an easy-to-access youtube video to go along with it, so you’re not stuck trying to remember what you did in the office or exactly which parts of your form to focus on. I could not recommend her more highly, whether you have an injured dancer or other athlete, or just want to work to prevent an injury in the future.

Sarah

Services

Tailored care for every dancer.

injury

Injury Rehab & Prevention

pointe

Pointe Readiness Assessments

performance

Performance Optimization

Video Analysis & Customized Programming

virtual consults

Virtual Consults

seminar workshop

Workshops & Studio Sessions

backstage

Onsite & Backstage Care

speaking engagement

Speaking Engagements

Common Questions About Dance Physical Therapy

Do I need to be injured to see a dance physical therapist?

No. Many dancers work with a physical therapist to improve technique, build strength, and prevent injuries—even if they are not currently injured.

Can physical therapy help improve dance technique?

Yes. Dance physical therapy can improve movement efficiency, strength, and control, all of which directly impact technique and performance.

Do you work with adult or recreational dancers?

Yes. Back in Step Physical Therapy works with dancers of all levels, including recreational and hobby dancers who want to move better and stay active.

What is pointe readiness, and how do I know if I’m ready?

Pointe readiness is an assessment of strength, control, and alignment to determine whether a dancer is physically prepared for pointe work. A dance physical therapist can evaluate and guide this process.

What is hypermobility, and how does it affect dancers?

Hypermobility refers to increased joint flexibility. While it can be an asset in dance, it may also increase the risk of injury without proper strength and control. Physical therapy helps build stability and control to support safe movement.

What happens at my first appointment?

Your first session includes a detailed evaluation of your movement, technique, strength, and goals. From there, you’ll receive a personalized plan that may include treatment, exercises, and recommendations for returning to or improving your dance training.