Performing Arts Health Program

Specialized Care for Dancers, Musicians, Vocalists, and More

For More Information 855-855-6484

Performing artists have unique needs that require specialized care from head to toe. Whether you are local or need care while in the area for a performance, Duke’s Performing Arts Health Program offers expert medical care. Our providers are trained performing artists, and our goal is to treat your symptoms at their source and help you prevent injuries in the future.

Watch this video to learn more about how our providers treat symptoms at their source and help prevent future injuries.

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About Performing Arts Medicine at Duke

Because an injury or deficit in one area can affect other parts of your body, we take a holistic approach to caring for performing artists. From strengthening weak muscles to rehabbing repetitive-use injuries and addressing nerve pain, we stay up to date on the most advanced techniques and treatments. We have treated dancers, musicians, vocalists, actors, gymnasts, figure skaters, aerialists, martial artists, and others.

We listen to your concerns, consider your needs, and perform a comprehensive physical exam. Then we create an individualized treatment plan that includes long-term injury prevention.

Dance Consultation Co-Clinic
During a dancer’s first visit, a physiatrist and physical therapist will see you together in the clinic. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire before your first appointment or at the beginning of your visit. This helps us understand how often you perform and at what level (amateur, collegiate, or professional), your symptoms, health history, and more. 

Need Voice Care?

Duke speech-language pathologists offer voice therapy services for singers, actors, and other vocal performers. Even if you need urgent voice care before a performance, we'll work with you to arrange a voice evaluation and expert voice care -- quickly, compassionately, and with discretion.

Tests

Your provider may recommend one or more tests to understand your condition.

Imaging
X-ray, CT, and MRI scans help your doctor detect an injury or see how well a treatment is working.

Blood Tests
These can measure levels of important nutrients like vitamin D and B12, which can be low in dancers and other performing artists.

Our Locations

Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.

Treatments

We know that you want to get better quickly so you can get back to doing what you love. We offer a wide range of treatment options that can be customized based on your needs and preferences.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy improves flexibility and strength and is an effective first-line treatment for most types of performing arts-related injuries. We offer specialized options like in-house dance medicine physical therapy, and we can refer you to other Duke or community providers for Pilates-based physical therapy, aquatic therapy, gyrotonics (a type of exercise that incorporates yoga, dance, gymnastics, and other disciplines), and other techniques.

Medication
Muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and other drugs can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Bracing
Bracing helps stabilize an injured area of your body to help prevent re-injury and promote faster healing.

Medical Acupuncture
The strategic placement of fine needles in your skin may help relieve pain.

Trigger Point Dry Needling
This aims to break up tight bands of tissue using an acupuncture needle.

Pain Injections
Medication can be injected near nerves or in joints that are a source of pain. Steroid, Botox, trigger point, and joint injections may be prescribed as needed.

Robust Referral Network
If you need more advanced care, we can refer you to one or more of these Duke experts:

Consistently Ranked Among the Nation’s Best Hospitals

Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why we are once again recognized as the best hospital in North Carolina, and nationally ranked in 11 adult and 10 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2024–2025.

Why Choose Duke

Compassionate Care That’s Hard to Find
Duke’s Performing Arts Health Program is one of a few in the Triangle offering hands-on care specifically for performing artists. We’re passionate about supporting dancers, musicians, and others who regularly push their bodies to the brink. We take the time to meet you where you are, and we’ll never offer surgery as your only treatment option. 

Established Community Relationships
Our providers have built relationships with the Durham Performing Arts Center, American Dance Festival, and local dance studios to offer onsite clinics and injury-prevention workshops. 

This page was medically reviewed on 07/18/2024 by