The ShamRockk Foundation
The ShamRockk Foundation
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State-Specific Dance Physical Therapists

At the ShamRockk Foundation, we believe in supporting the whole dancer—mind, body, and spirit. That includes connecting you with expert guidance on injury prevention, recovery, and performance optimization. While we’re proud to partner with incredible dance-specific physical therapists who offer general advice through videos, interviews, and virtual content, it’s important to know that physical therapists must be licensed in the state where care is provided. This means:

  • General tips and education may be shared virtually, but
  • Personalized treatment plans and one-on-one assessments must come from a PT licensed in your state.

Below, you’ll find a list of dance-specific physical therapists we admire and recommend across various regions. We offer this list as a resource only—we do not guarantee services or outcomes, and encourage you to research and find the provider that best fits your needs. Your body deserves specialized care. If you're dealing with pain, injury, or recovery, we strongly encourage you to consult a licensed PT in your state.

Our PT Team

Dr. Lily Hicks, PT, DPT

Dr. Aimee Martel, PT, DPT

Dr. Aimee Martel, PT, DPT

COLORADO

 Dance-Specialized Physical Therapist 

VitalMotionPT.com

Dr. Lily Hicks brings a unique blend of firsthand ballet experience and clinical expertise to her work with the ShamRockk Foundation. A former pre-professional ballet dancer, Lily trained extensively in classical ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary, dedicating over 25 hours a 

COLORADO

 Dance-Specialized Physical Therapist 

VitalMotionPT.com

Dr. Lily Hicks brings a unique blend of firsthand ballet experience and clinical expertise to her work with the ShamRockk Foundation. A former pre-professional ballet dancer, Lily trained extensively in classical ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary, dedicating over 25 hours a week to her craft during her formative years. Though she eventually chose to step away from the stage, her passion never left the dance world—it simply shifted to the wings.

Now a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy based in Denver, Lily channels her deep understanding of a dancer’s physical and emotional demands into injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance support. With degrees from Eastern Illinois University and Concordia University Wisconsin, she combines the science of movement with a lifelong love for dance to help artists move better, recover smarter, and perform longer.

As a valued health partner with the ShamRockk Foundation, Lily plays an essential role in equipping young male ballet dancers with the resources and care they need to thrive in training and beyond.

Aimee Martel DPT. PT

Dr. Aimee Martel, PT, DPT

Dr. Aimee Martel, PT, DPT

Dr. Aimee Martel, PT, DPT

CALIFORNIA

 Dance-Specialized Physical Therapist 

ToThePointePT.com

Aimee Martel’s journey from ballet dancer to physical therapist was fueled by a deep curiosity about movement and injury prevention. Based in the Bay Area, she works with recreational, pre-professional, and professional performers, helping them recover and return to their cr

CALIFORNIA

 Dance-Specialized Physical Therapist 

ToThePointePT.com

Aimee Martel’s journey from ballet dancer to physical therapist was fueled by a deep curiosity about movement and injury prevention. Based in the Bay Area, she works with recreational, pre-professional, and professional performers, helping them recover and return to their craft stronger than before.

Formerly the PT for Team USA Artistic Swimming, Aimee brings experience working with artistic athletes from student to Olympian. She’s known for creating a space where dancers feel seen, heard, and cared for by someone who “speaks their language.”

Her approach emphasizes injury risk reduction, rehabilitation through strength and technique refinement, and proactive education through anatomy-based workshops. Since earning her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2007, Aimee has completed advanced training in Performing Arts Medicine and is a Certified Progressing Ballet Technique Instructor.

Aimee founded her dance-specialized private practice in 2012 and is proud to support motivated, movement-driven individuals of all backgrounds.

Registered Dietitcians

Fueling a dancer’s body isn’t just about calories—it’s about strength, stamina, recovery, and resilience. At ShamRockk, we believe that the right nutrition guidance can empower young male dancers to perform at their highest level, both physically and mentally.


While we share general insights and interviews from licensed dietitians who understand the unique demands of a dancer’s life, it’s important to note:

  • Nutrition advice should be personal, evidence-based, and state-compliant.
  • Registered Dietitians (RDs) are credentialed professionals, and many states require specific licensure to offer individualized meal plans or medical nutrition therapy.

That means:

  • Educational content can often be shared broadly, but
  • One-on-one advice should come from a dietitian licensed in your state.

Below, you’ll find a growing list of dance-savvy RDs we trust and recommend as resources. As with all professional referrals, we encourage you to do your own research to find the best fit for your goals and health needs. ShamRockk does not guarantee individual outcomes, but we’re proud to connect you with experts who get what dancers need.


Because what you put in your body matters as much as how you move it.

Registered Dietitian vs. Nutritionist

Not all nutrition pros are the same.

  • A Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN) is a licensed expert with formal education, clinical training, and the legal authority to offer medical nutrition advice and personalized meal plans.
  • A Nutritionist may not have formal credentials or be regulated, depending on the state.  

If you're looking for help with performance fueling, recovery, or disordered eating, always consult an RD who’s licensed in your state.

graph comparing dieticians to nutritionists

Health and Wellness Resources - Articles

Dance and Mental Health

The Toll of Perfectionism

Dance and Mental Health

Dance Magazine: https://www.dancemagazine.com/dance-and-mental-health

Mental Health Care

The Toll of Perfectionism

Dance and Mental Health

Dance Spirit: https://dancespirit.com/dancer-mental-health-care

The Toll of Perfectionism

The Toll of Perfectionism

The Toll of Perfectionism

Lit Hub: https://lithub.com/the-toll-of-perfectionism-on-the-physical-and-mental-health-of-ballet-dancers

Don't Suffer in Silence

Don't Suffer in Silence

The Toll of Perfectionism

Minding the Gap: https://www.wearemindingthegap.com/post/dont-suffer-in-silence

Managing Tendinopathy

Don't Suffer in Silence

Managing Tendinopathy

IADMS: https://iadms.org/media/5780/iadms-resource-paper-managing-tendinopathy-in-dancers-and-dance-teachers.pdf

Dealing with Failure

Don't Suffer in Silence

Managing Tendinopathy

Danscend: https://danscend.teachable.com/p/dancer-mental-health-blog?p=5-ways-to-cope-with-failure-for-dancer-mental-health

Health and Wellness Resources - Websites

International Association for Dance Medicine and Science

International Association for Dance Medicine and Science

International Association for Dance Medicine and Science

IADMS is an inclusive  organization for professionals who care for those who dance by evolving  best practices in dance science, education, research, and medical care  to support optimal health, well-being, training, and performance.

https://iadms.org/

Danscend

International Association for Dance Medicine and Science

International Association for Dance Medicine and Science

Danscend’s mission is to bring mental wellness to the forefront of dance training by providing a space for education, application, and community to dancers, educators, and professionals.

https://www.danscend.com/

We Are Minding the Gap

International Association for Dance Medicine and Science

We Are Minding the Gap

We are on a mission to see mental health treated with the same seriousness as physical health in dance culture. 

https://www.wearemindingthegap.com/

ShamRockk Special!

When you earn a mentorship scholarship through ShamRockk, you’ll receive a FREE Whoop® band + one year Whoop ONE® membership (up to $199). This cutting-edge health tracker helps dancers monitor recovery, strain, sleep, and performance readiness in real time. It’s a powerful tool to support smart training, injury prevention, and long-term success.

Copyright © 2025 ShamRockk Foundation - All Rights Reserved.


The ShamRockk Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

No goods or services were provided in exchange for this donation. EIN: 33-3233621.

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