Module II
Lower Extremity: Foot, Ankle & Knee
Module II is the first region-specific course in the Dance Medicine Education Initiative (DMEI) foundational series, offering a focused exploration of the evaluation and treatment of foot, ankle, and knee injuries in dancers. Building on the clinical framework established in Module I, this course emphasizes dance-specific assessment strategies, differential diagnosis, and evidence-informed interventions tailored to the unique demands of the performing artist. Accurate identification and management of lower extremity injuries are critical, as these regions bear high mechanical loads and are central to multiplanar movement, speed, endurance, and the dynamic interplay of force production and absorption. These demands place exceptional stress on the lower limb's ability to support both repetitive motion and explosive transitions. Inadequate assessment may lead to compensatory movement patterns and delayed recovery.
Online portion:
Each participant will receive 4 recordings to watch prior to meeting in person for Section I. These recordings will be available starting October 17th, 2025 until the start of the course on November 1st, 2025. Topics will include:
Ligamentous Injury & Instability
Ankle Impingement
Osseous Stress Injury
Tendinopathy
Course Objectives
Upon completion of Module II, the participant will be able to:
Discuss the normal and pathological function of the lower extremity including relevant anatomy, biomechanics and patho-mechanics.
Identify typical presentations of commonly seen knee, foot & ankle injuries/conditions in dancers through differential diagnostic processes.
Perform a systematic, dance-specific approach to evaluating lower extremity biomechanics.
Identify normal and abnormal accessory motion of the knee, ankle and foot.
Implement appropriate mobilization/manipulation techniques to enhance joint & soft tissue mobility.
Apply effective intervention strategies to typical injuries/conditions at the foot, ankle and knee in dancers including therapeutic exercise, motor control retraining and technique optimization.
Audience:
The information covered in this course is presented in a format that is immediately applicable for healthcare practitioners and adjunct healthcare practitioners who already practice in or are interested in the field of dance medicine. This includes: physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, massage therapists, dance teachers, dance educators, Pilates instructors, Gyrotonic instructors, athletic trainers and physicians.
Attendees agree to utilize all skills of evaluation, assessment and treatment learned in this course to the extent allowed under the regulations of their professional practice act. By registering you acknowledge that your attendance does not represent authorization by DMEI to utilize any of the material learned which may lie outside of the strict interpretation of your practice act.
Registration
Dates:
Section I (in-person course): November 1-2, 2025
Section II (in-person course): January 24-25, 2026
Location:
Section I (in-person course): Johns Hopkins Hospital Greenspring Clinic Baltimore, MD
Section II (in-person course): Westside Dance Physical Therapy New York, NY
Format: Hybrid Online/In-person Course
