I am, Kristen Shelley, a dance medicine physical therapist. I have 14 years of combined experience in teaching dance classes and working as a PT to treat dance related concerns and injuries. In 2020, I started my own mobile PT practice, Delaware Dance Physical Therapy. It allows me to be able to throw up a table and treat at studios, client’s homes or events.

I started this business out of a passion and desire to help dancers be stronger and healthier! I want to empower them to have long dance careers without pain or anything holding them back.

Let’s work through this together, share experiences and help all dancers know that just because a symptom may be common, it is not normal!

Why Delaware Dance Physical Therapy?

I am so excited to have the opportunity to connect with you not only as a physical therapist but also as a former dancer. Growing up dancing, it was a normal experience to have pain. Rolling your ankle was just a part of being a dancer. These were common and seemingly normal battle wounds. We were told that if you could walk on it, we were fine. For me, this lead to chronic sprains, instability and pain, all which could have been prevented. 

What I discovered after going to PT school and then starting a job treating dancers, is that the major issue was a lack of understanding of dancers and their bodies within the medical community. Most medical professionals are unaware of the demands and needs of a dancer. Because of this they tend to prescribe rest and/or immobilization without a real game plan. It also leads to underreporting in the dance community. 

I knew I needed to be a part of the movement which addressed these inconsistencies. I have spent the last 7 years treating dancers at all levels, professional, pre-professional and recreational, to heal their bodies and give them the tools I always wish I had!

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have a dance medicine specialist in your wellness network. Did you know that in Delaware and Pennsylvania you can access a physical therapist without seeing a doctor?  If you are sick you go to your PCP. If you have a bone, muscle, tendon or soft tissue injury you see a Doctor of Physical Therapy!