Module II

Lower Extremity: Foot, Ankle & Knee

Module II is the first body region specific focus of the Dance Medicine Education Initiative foundational course. This course builds upon the introductory information presented in Module I and applies it to an in-depth evaluation and treatment of foot, ankle, and knee injuries in dancers.

This course is split into 2 sections. It is strongly suggested, but not mandatory, that course participants attend the sections in order.

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.