From Stability to Mobility:

Progressive Taping Techniques for Dance Injuries

Dance Medicine Education Initiative is proud to co-present a speciality course between Andrea Zujko, founder of Dance Medicine Education Initiative and Emma Faulkner, co-founder of Atlanta Dance Medicine and owner of TriHealth Physical Therapy that is focused on creative modifications of traditional sports taping, padding and bracing protocols for dance specific injuries.

This course includes a basic review of indications of when to use tape/padding for a dance related injury, a discussion on taping precautions and contraindications, a thorough discussion of each type of tape and its purpose and use and how each taping technique can progress through the stages of injury from acute to chronic remodeling. 

This class will be predominantly lab based to maximize hands-on learning and practice of each taping technique. Individual feedback will be given to improve learners' tape handling skills.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the purpose of each tape and/or padding technique for a variety of dance specific injuries affecting the lower and upper quadrant.  

  • Identify the varieties of tape being utilized. 

  • Verbalize the indications and contraindications for the use of tape and/or padding. 

  • Determine appropriate candidates for taping/padding application based objective findings for a specific type of injury. 

  • Choose when and how to modify taping and/or padding techniques based on treatment response and progression of healing.

  • Perform appropriate tape handling skills including material selection, skin prep, tape/padding, application, and removal. 

  • Adjust taping and/or padding methods based on patient response. 

  • Design a progressive taping/padding protocol designed to support the entire continuum of the rehabilitation plan from acute onset to return to dance.

In this course, a variety of techniques will be covered in the context of case scenarios, including but not limited to: 

  • Ankle sprains (high, collateral, midfoot)

  • Bunions and other toe injuries/deformities 

  • Chronic Ankle Instability  

  • Medial or lateral ligament sprains in the knee

  • Chronic knee rotary instability 

  • Functional/Mechanical Lumbar Instability

  • Shoulder Instability  

  • Ligament/cartilage injury at the wrist 

  • Finger/Thumb injuries 

  • Padding for improving shoe wear

  • Alterations to shoes to improve fit and prevent injury 

The taping techniques taught in this course are based upon concepts from multiple sources including Kenso Kase’s Kinesiotaping techniques, Mulligan Mobilization with Movement and taping techniques and McConnell taping techniques. They have been adapted for use across the spectrum of rehabilitation based on our clinical experiences with dancers of all ages and performance abilities. 

Learn more about Progressive Taping Course

Due to high levels of impact, unique footwear, extreme ranges of motion and increasingly complex choreographic demands, injuries are at very high risk for injury among dancers. Injuries are common among dancers of all ages, genres and professional levels and account for many missed rehearsal and performance hours. Athletic bracing, splinting and heavy strapping that significantly restrict joint mobility to protect a weakened joint, cannot be utilized effectively in a dancer population especially in the latter stages of healing. 

Modified taping techniques using minimalist tape application, elastic tapes, and specific anchor points and lines of pull, can be utilized on the dancer to protect or limit motion following injury, support weakened structures during the healing process, assist mobility during rehabilitation, and address minor mechanical faults to prevent further or new injury. Padding techniques can be utilized by dancers and performers to decrease impact, improve footwear fit and add a layer of protection to the foot in addition to the shoe. Shoes can also be modified to improve fit, improve aesthetics, and assist with mechanics and movement patterns.  Taping/padding and footwear modifications for dancers can provide support, protection, and stability through the full rehabilitation continuum, from acute injury through full return to performance.

Registration

From Stability to Mobility: Progressive Taping Techniques for Dance Injuries
$665.00

Date: October 18th-19th, 2025

Location: Westside Dance Physical Therapy

Hosted By: Andrea Zujko PT, DPT, OCS, COMT and Emma Faulkner PT, DPT, OCS 

Format: In-person

Pricing and Discounts:

  • Registrations made before September 19th, 2025 at 11:59 pm are $615.00 with code PTC25.

  • Registrations made after September 19th, 2025 at 11:59 pm are $665.00.

  • A student discounted price of $515.00 is available for current DPT students who are in their final year of an accredited graduate PT program. Please send an email to admin@dancemedei.com to receive this special discount code.