PHARTS Podcast

Your spine is the anchor of every movement, breath, and expression in performance. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) can slowly limit dancers, singers, and actors—but you don’t have to give up performing. In this episode of PHARTS, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, explores: How AS affects the spine, sacroiliac joints, and posture Early warning signs performers often overlook Dancer-, singer-, and actor-specific strategies for strength, mobility, and breathing How physical therapy can help you stay stage-ready and prevent long-term limitations 🎥 Free YouTube resources for performers: Warm-Up & Cool-Down Exercises Core & Spinal Stability Work Movement Quality & Injury Prevention 💻 Get individualized guidance at jennakantorpt.com – Pittsburgh, PA & Telehealth for New York performers. Reclaim your movement, confidence, and artistry—your encore is possible!

ACL tears can be devastating—but they don’t have to end your performance journey. In this episode of Performers Happiness in the Arts, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, dance medicine specialist, and performer, takes you through the full ACL journey for dancers, singers, and actors. Learn how these injuries happen, the warning signs to watch for, dancer-specific rehab strategies, and prevention tips to protect your knees and maintain your artistry. Featuring research-backed recommendations and practical exercises, this episode is your roadmap from injury to curtain call. 💡 Resources & Free Guidance: Personalized physical therapy plans: jennakantorpt.com (Pittsburgh, PA & Telehealth for New York performers) YouTube exercises & tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists Whether you’re returning from an ACL injury or want to prevent one, this episode gives you actionable steps to stay healthy, confident, and stage-ready.

Post-show recovery is just as important as rehearsal! In this episode of Performers Happiness in the Arts, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, dance medicine specialist, and performer, walks you through research-backed cool-down exercises for dancers, singers, and actors. Learn how to reduce muscle tension, prevent injury, and restore your body after every performance with specific dosage guidance and step-by-step instructions. 🎥 Watch free video demonstrations on YouTube: Dance Injury Prevention & Strength for Performers: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists Warm-Up & Cool-Down Routines: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists Neck & Shoulder Relief (for Singers + Actors): https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists Low Back & Hip Mobility for Dancers/Actors: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists 💻 For personalized, performer-specific rehab and guidance, visit jennakantorpt.com . Take care of your body so it can take care of your performance — your next show deserves it!

The “Bend and Snap” might work every time, but not if it takes your back, hips, or vocal folds down with it. In this episode of PHARTS, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT breaks down the most common injury risks in Legally Blonde, the Musical — for dancers, singers, and actors — and how to stay strong, pain-free, and performance-ready for eight shows a week. Using research-backed insights and performer-specific movement strategies, Jenna unpacks: 💖 The strain behind the “Bend and Snap” 💖 Why comedic posture can cause serious tension 💖 How to protect your voice during this fast-paced, belt-heavy show 💖 What dancers can do to reduce injury risk during high-repetition choreography 💖 How singers and actors can maintain breath support, posture, and recovery Plus—free tools to support your body, including playlists from Jenna’s YouTube channel: ✨ Dance Injury Prevention: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists ✨ Strength for Performers: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists ✨ Warm-Up Routines: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists ✨ Vocal Health & Breath Support: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists ✨ Neck/Shoulder Mobility for Singers: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists ✨ Posture & Core for Performers: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists ✨ Low Back & Hip Mobility: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists ✨ Recovery Routines: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists For individualized guidance or performer-specific physical therapy, visit: 👉 www.jennakantorpt.com Serving Pittsburgh, PA & Telehealth for New York performers.

In this episode of PHARTS — Performers Happiness in the Arts, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT breaks down how performers in Suffs the Musical can stay healthy while delivering high-energy ensemble work, emotional vocal performances, and actor-driven character staging. You’ll learn: 1. Why dancers need specific strength and joint-care strategies for this show 2. How singers can protect their voices while embodying power and narrative 3. What actors should do to prevent posture-related injuries during intense performances 4. How musicians accompanying the production can reduce strain too Free video resources to help you train smart and recover right 🎥 Free YouTube playlists mentioned in this episode: ▶️ Mobility & Recovery: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists ▶️ Dance Injury Prevention: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists ▶️ Vocal Health & Breath Support: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists 💻 If you’re looking for individualized performer-specific physical therapy and movement support, visit www.jennakantorpt.com — Serving Pittsburgh, PA & Telehealth for New York performers. Tune in, train well, perform proud. 🎭

Touring is magical… and also physically wild. In this episode, Jenna breaks down the realities of staying healthy while performing 8 shows a week in a different city every few days. We dive into: ✨ Why dancers struggle with changing floors and travel fatigue ✨ How singers can protect their voices from dry air, altitude changes, and inconsistent performance environments ✨ Why actors experience neck, back, and postural strain on tour — and how to reset ✨ What musicians can do to reduce repetitive strain from constant travel ✨ Research-backed prevention tips for staying strong, mobile, and pain-free on the road If you're currently on a tour, preparing for one, or dreaming about booking your first contract — this episode is packed with performer-specific strategies to help you stay healthy, grounded, and show-ready in every city. FREE YouTube Resources Mentioned: 🎥 Mobility & Recovery Playlist https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists 🎥 Dance Rehab & Injury Prevention https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists 🎥 Vocal Health & Breath Support https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists Want personalized help? Visit Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy (JKPT) at jennakantorpt.com 📍 Pittsburgh, PA 💻 Telehealth available for New York performers

In this episode of the Performers Happiness in the Arts Podcast (PHARTS), host Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, dance medicine specialist and performer, breaks down the physical demands of The Lion King on Broadway and the most common injuries seen among its dancers, singers, actors, and musicians. This episode includes: • Why the show’s choreography style increases injury risk for dancers • How puppet mechanics affect shoulders, necks, and backs • Why vocal fatigue is one of the top issues for singers • How actors managing full-body character work can avoid overuse • Research-backed data on performance-related injuries • Simple, actionable strategies every performer can start TODAY Whether you are a musical theatre performer, a physical therapist, or part of the medical team supporting performers, this episode gives you backstage insight into one of Broadway’s most physically demanding productions. ✨ FREE PERFORMER RESOURCES: YouTube Playlists from Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy: • Injury Prevention & Warm-Ups: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists • Vocal Health & Breath Support • Full-Body Strength for Performers • Flexibility & Mobility for Dancers 🌟 Want Individualized Guidance? Visit jennakantorpt.com to work with Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy (JKPT), located in Pittsburgh, PA with Telehealth available for New York performers. Perfect for dancers, singers, actors, and musicians who want healthy, pain-free movement and longevity in their careers. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

In this episode of PHARTS, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, and dance medicine specialist, dives into the unique physical challenges of performing in Death Becomes Her. Learn how dancers, singers, and actors can prevent injuries, maintain stamina, and perform safely in high-energy choreography, lifts, and fight sequences. We discuss: Dancer-specific warm-ups, strength, and landing techniques Singer-focused breath, posture, and core support strategies Actor-centered fight choreography, stamina, and stage awareness tips Universal injury prevention tips for all performers 🎥 FREE YouTube Resources for Performance Prep & Rehab: 🔹 Performance Warm-Up & Injury Prevention 🔹 Dance Strength & Conditioning 🔹 Singers & Actor Mobility Support For individualized care, stage-specific rehab, or Telehealth sessions, visit jennakantorpt.com . Whether you’re rehearsing, performing, or preparing for tech week, this episode helps you stay safe, strong, and stage-ready. #PHARTS #MusicalTheatreHealth #PerformersWellness #InjuryPrevention #JennaKantorPT

In this episode of PHARTS (Performers Happiness in the Arts), Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT — dance medicine specialist and performer — breaks down why The Outsiders on Broadway stands apart in its physical demands. This isn’t just dancing. This isn’t just singing. This isn’t just acting. It’s full-body, high-stakes storytelling. 💥 We explore: Why the choreography challenges dancers at a deeper muscular + endurance level How singing while moving intensely impacts breath, sound, and stamina What makes the emotional and physical acting load uniquely taxing Research-backed data on fatigue, injury risk, and performance intensity How performers can prep their bodies safely Whether you are a dancer, singer, actor, or multi-hyphenate, this episode gives you insight AND tools to perform sustainably in a show that demands everything from you. 🎧 Tune in, learn something new, and take care of that brilliant body of yours! ✨ FREE YouTube playlists for performers (exercise + rehab guidance): https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists ✨ For individualized physical therapy, injury prevention, and performance wellness support: Visit jennakantorpt.com Located in Pittsburgh, PA — Telehealth available for NY performers. Your body is your instrument. Let’s keep it strong, resilient, and ready to tell your story.

✨ The Physical Magic of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: What Makes This Show So Demanding? ✨ In this PHARTS episode, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT breaks down the unique physical challenges faced by dancers, singers, and actors in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child — a show that blends movement, emotional depth, illusion work, heavy prop usage, and nonstop pacing in ways unlike any other Broadway production. We explore: 🪄 Why this show demands full-body stamina 💪 Injury risks and fatigue patterns 🎭 The differences in physical strain for dancers, singers, and actors 📊 Research-backed insights on performer fatigue and injury risk 🌟 How to maintain your body through long performance runs Whether you’re in the cast, auditioning, or just fascinated by the physicality behind the magic, this episode gives you practical and supportive insights to stay safe and strong. For individualized physical therapy guidance, visit jennakantorpt.com — Pittsburgh-based, with Telehealth options for New York performers. Want FREE movement, strength, and rehab videos? Explore YouTube playlists created just for performers: 🎥 Mobility Exercises Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy 🎥 Strength & Conditioning Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy 🎥 Dancer Rehab Exercises Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy 🎥 Vocal Health & Breath Support Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy

In today’s PHARTS Podcast episode, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT takes you inside The Great Gatsby musical to explore the physical demands placed on dancers, singers, and actors — and how to stay healthy while performing them. This episode breaks down each performer type individually: 🕺 Dancers — stylized 1920s choreography, quick tempo, partnering, endurance 🎤 Singers — sustained phrases, breath control, movement coordination 🎭 Actors — emotional tension, posture changes, repeated gestures With research-backed insights, practical advice, and performer-centered support, you’ll walk away knowing what your body needs to shine on stage. ✨ FREE resources mentioned in the episode: YouTube Playlists (warm-ups, mobility, strength, rehab & more) https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy ✨ Work with Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT 👉 jennakantorpt.com 🔹 In-person in Pittsburgh, PA 🔹 Telehealth for New York performers 🔹 Dance medicine + performer-centered physical therapy Available on all major podcast platforms! Spotify | Apple Podcasts | SoundCloud

Welcome back to PHARTS – Performers Happiness in the Arts Podcast with your host, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, dance medicine specialist, performer, and your go-to friend for keeping your body performance-ready. In today’s episode, we dive into physical maintenance for the musical Wicked — a show that demands stamina, stability, breath control, and consistent body awareness from dancers, singers, actors, and yes…musicians too. You’ll learn: ✨ What makes Wicked uniquely physically demanding ✨ Real data on performer injury rates and overuse patterns ✨ Strategies to protect your body through long runs ✨ Warm-up and cooldown essentials ✨ How dancers, singers, and actors can personalize their maintenance plan If you’re looking for guided support, individualized programming, or solutions to ongoing pain or physical limitations, visit Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy (JKPT) at jennakantorpt.com. JKPT is located in Pittsburgh, PA and offers telehealth support for New York performers who want to stay healthy, pain-free, and strong. If you want FREE video resources to improve mobility, strength, or recovery, check out the YouTube playlists here: 🎥 Mobility Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy 🎥 Strength & Conditioning Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy 🎥 Dancer Rehab Exercises Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy Make sure you subscribe so you never miss a free resource made specifically with the performer in mind.

This week on Performers Happiness in the Arts (PHARTS), Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT — dance medicine specialist and performer — breaks down the unique physical and emotional demands of performing in Dear Evan Hansen. Whether you’re a dancer holding intense stillness, a singer sustaining emotionally charged vocals, or an actor carrying heavy scenes night after night, your body needs targeted preparation to stay strong, supported, and injury-free. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✨ How the emotional weight of the show impacts physical posture and muscle tension ✨ Research-backed strategies to prepare your body for long runs of emotionally intense work ✨ Warm-up essentials for dancers, singers, and actors ✨ Breath-body integration tools for vocal clarity and calm ✨ Injury-prevention routines supported by clinical data 💡 Want individualized support to maintain peak performance? Visit www.jennakantorpt.com — Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy (JKPT) offers in-person services in Pittsburgh and Telehealth sessions for New York performers. 🎥 FREE YouTube Playlists to Support Your Training: Performer Warm-Up & Mobility: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists Dance Conditioning & Injury Prevention: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists Vocal-Physical Integration: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists Stay healthy. Stay expressive. Stay present. 💙

You’re mid-combo, nailing your choreography, and suddenly—snap! The floor shifts beneath you, pain shoots up your leg, and your rehearsal dreams hit pause. This week on Performers Happiness in the Arts (PHARTS), Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT—dance medicine specialist and performer—dives deep into one of the most common and frustrating injuries for musical theatre artists: the ankle sprain. Whether you’re a dancer landing from a tour jeté, a singer gliding across stage in character heels, or an actor pivoting during a quick scene change, your ankles are the unsung heroes of your performance. Learn how to spot the difference between a mild twist and a true sprain, why these injuries happen so often onstage, and what the science says about your recovery timeline. We’ll also unpack research showing that up to 70% of dancers experience an ankle injury during their career (Steinberg et al., Tel Aviv University, 2011) and discuss how even minor sprains can affect balance, mobility, and confidence long after the swelling fades. This episode walks you through: The anatomy behind a sprain (why the ATFL is always in the spotlight) What the healing phases really look like for performers How to safely return to turns, jumps, and stage movement Evidence-based prevention tools that keep you performing pain-free ✨ Referenced Research: Steinberg, N., Hershkovitz, I., et al. (2011). Injuries in Dancers: Prevalence and Patterns. Tel Aviv University, Israel. Fong, D. T.-P., et al. (2009). A Systematic Review on Ankle Injury and Sprain in Sports. Sports Medicine, 39(1), 73–94. Garrick, J. G. (2017). Ankle Sprains and Chronic Instability in Athletes. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 36(1), 13–28. 🩰 Want individualized help for a pain-free comeback? Visit www.jennakantorpt.com — Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy (JKPT) is based in Pittsburgh, PA and offers Telehealth services for New York performers. Get personalized guidance for your recovery and performance prep. 🎥 Free YouTube Resources from JKPT: Build your ankle strength and mobility with these playlists: Dance Injury Prevention Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJKKPT-DanceInjuryPrevention Ankle Strength & Stability Exercises: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists Performer Warm-Up & Recovery Routines: https://www.youtube.com/@jennakantorphysicaltherapy/playlists

In this episode of Performers Happiness in the Arts (PHARTS), host Dr. Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, performer and dance medicine specialist, takes you behind the curtain of one of the most common — and emotionally challenging — injuries in the performing arts: the ankle fracture. From the heartbreaking “crack” mid-performance to the long road back to dancing, singing, and acting at full strength, Jenna dives into the science, the rehab, and the artistry of recovery. You’ll learn: ✨ Why dancers, singers, and actors are all at risk for ankle fractures 🩺 How to recognize when it’s more than a sprain 💃 The staged approach to performer-specific rehab 🎬 Functional training that prepares you to return to the spotlight safely 🎧 Perfect for: musical theatre performers, students, medical professionals in the performing arts, and anyone who’s ever had to say, “the show must go on” — even through injury. Need individualized care for your ankle injury or performing pain? ➡️ Visit Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy (JKPT) — based in Pittsburgh, PA, offering Telehealth for New York performers — where you’ll receive expert, performer-focused rehab and guidance for healthy, pain-free movement. 🎥 Free YouTube Resources: 🩰 Dance Injury Prevention Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4vS6lUiyc6JtVYx7qNRuHEbEOVHpmRZV 🎤 Singer Strength & Mobility Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4vS6lUiyc6IqZ1lK0rUMjZrQrX1yV2AB 🎭 Actor Conditioning & Recovery Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4vS6lUiyc6Kt2Krqjfnz0KjKzP7FqFfB 📚 Referenced Studies: Lee et al., Performing Arts Medicine Association, New York, 2021 Peters et al., University of Sydney, 2019 Johnson et al., University of London, 2022 #PHARTSPodcast #JennaKantorPT #MusicalTheatreWellness #AnkleFractureRecovery #DanceMedicine #PerformerRehab #PerformerHealth #JKPT #DancePhysicalTherapy

In this episode of the PHARTs Podcast, we explore the vital role physical therapy plays in enhancing the health, longevity, and performance capacity of artists across disciplines. Physical therapy isn’t just about recovering from injuries—it’s a proactive strategy that supports performers in optimizing movement, preventing injuries, improving resilience, and sustaining long, thriving careers in dance, theater, music, and beyond. We break down how targeted PT interventions—such as biomechanical assessment, movement retraining, strength and flexibility programming, and performance-specific conditioning—can help performers move more efficiently and perform with confidence. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, returning from injury, or seeking ways to refine technique and stamina, this episode sheds light on how physical therapy enhances both physical and artistic expression.

Pilates is no longer just a cross-training option—it’s a performance-changing tool. In this episode of the Performers Happiness in the Arts (PHARTs) Podcast, we explore how Pilates is transforming the way performers train, rehabilitate, and sustain their careers. From improved core integration and alignment to injury prevention, breath control, and longevity on stage, Pilates has become a foundational practice for dancers, actors, singers, and musicians alike. We break down why Pilates works so well for performers, how it supports both physical and mental resilience, and how it bridges the gap between rehabilitation and peak performance. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, preparing for auditions, or looking to move more efficiently and confidently, this episode highlights why Pilates has earned its place in the performing arts world. 🎭 Ideal for dancers, singers, actors, musicians, educators, and healthcare professionals working in the arts.

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 perform at your best!

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!

Episode Title: Act I: The Ache That Steals the Spotlight Low back pain can silence your artistry—but it doesn’t have to steal your spotlight. In this episode of Performers Happiness in the Arts (PHARTS), Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT—dance medicine specialist, performer, and founder of Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy (JKPT)—dives into the world of low back pain for dancers, singers, and actors. You’ll hear about: Why 67% of dancers, 54% of singers, and 52% of actors experience low back pain (Sweeney & McAuley, University of Hertfordshire, UK, 2016; Angadi et al., Ohio State University, 2019; Fryer, Australia, 2018) How technique habits, posture, and overuse lead to pain The role of performing arts physical therapy in recovery and prevention (Smith et al., Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, NYC, 2021) How guided movement can speed recovery by 30% (O’Sullivan et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020) Whether you’re mastering Hamilton choreography, belting out Defying Gravity, or performing an intense monologue in Hadestown, this episode gives you the tools to stay strong, pain-free, and in the spotlight. 🩰 Need personalized care? Visit www.jennakantorpt.com to connect with Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy—serving performers in Pittsburgh, PA and New York (via Telehealth). 🎥 Free Resources on YouTube: Dancer Injury Prevention Singer Posture and Breathing Tips Actor Mobility and Stage Stamina 🎭 Because recovery isn’t the end of your story—it’s your encore.