WELCOME TO DANCE MEDICINE

Dr. Rode is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of dancers, integrating her skills and knowledge as a Physical Therapist with her experience in dance, pilates, and other forms of movement re-education.  She works with dancers of all levels, from the recreational dancer to the professional.

Dr. Rode developed the Wellness Program for dancers at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA.  Her work with the dancers includes rehabilitation; education in injury prevention, fitness for dancers, and nutrition for dancers; instruction in dance conditioning classes; overseeing of Pilates classes by a team of expert Pilates instructors.  For many years she has also been instructor of Kinesiology for Dancers at the University.

SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR ALL DANCERS:

• rehabilitation from injury
• education about injury prevention
• fitness training & conditioning - see the Rehab & Fitness page
• Pilates private sessions - see the Rehab & Fitness page

Physical Therapist-developed exercise programs can reduce athletes' risk of injury by 41% (American Journal of Sports Medicine, August 2008).

FOR THE PROFESSIONAL DANCER:

My Physical Therapy practice is dedicated to the health, education, and rehabilitation of dancers after injury.  I have years of experience as a dancer, as a Physical Therapist specializing in dance medicine, and as an educator of anatomy and biomechanics specific to dance technique and injuries common to dancers.  After injury, my goal is to return you back to performance level as soon as possible by guiding you safely through the recovery process.

FOR THE RECREATIONAL DANCER:

Dance is a great way to stay fit and it's fun!  Many injuries associated with dancing can be prevented.  Whether you dance for fitness or for the pure enjoyment of it, or both, my goal is to keep you on the dance floor.

When you're hurting, wouldn't you like to know what to do so you could get back into class as soon as possible without risking further injury?  Wouldn't you like to know what you could do to help reduce the risk of injury and keep you dancing strong and pain free?

I can help you bey evaluating your fitness level and recommending specific strengthening, endurance, or flexibility exercises when needed.  If you're injured, I can help you with a safe return to the dance floor.