How we help dancers...
Whether you're looking to maximize a few weeks off with performance training or just trying to get through the season without things getting worse, we can help.
We listen to your concerns, goals, and timeline.
We've been able to help dancers:
1. Trust that their knee won't lock up or give out again
2. Dance full out after an ankle sprain without thinking about it
3. Leave for summer intensives confident that they can shine in a new environment
4. Understand their teachers' cues and figure out how to apply them
5. Finally get their splits, needles, and triple pirouettes
Whether you're looking to maximize a few weeks off with performance training or just trying to get through the season without things getting worse, we can help.
We listen to your concerns, goals, and timeline.
We've been able to help dancers:
1. Trust that their knee won't lock up or give out again
2. Dance full out after an ankle sprain without thinking about it
3. Leave for summer intensives confident that they can shine in a new environment
4. Understand their teachers' cues and figure out how to apply them
5. Finally get their splits, needles, and triple pirouettes
“Before physical therapy, I had lots of swelling in both ankles and constant pain which made dancing very difficult. Now all the pain and swelling is gone and dancing is just as easy as it was before my injury. Thank you so much!”
–Rachel, 16 y.o. dancer
How we help parents...
Yes, we work with dancers - and we love them! But, as a dance parent, you likely have your own questions and concerns about your child's health and performance and we love to support you too.
We've been able to help parents:
1. Support their dancer even when they don't understand the goal
2. Gain clarity over imaging results and vague activity recommendations
3. Feel confident in making informed decisions regarding their dancer’s health
4. By providing realistic, non-fear-based, expectations after injury
5. Set their dancer up for a healthy adulthood
Yes, we work with dancers - and we love them! But, as a dance parent, you likely have your own questions and concerns about your child's health and performance and we love to support you too.
We've been able to help parents:
1. Support their dancer even when they don't understand the goal
2. Gain clarity over imaging results and vague activity recommendations
3. Feel confident in making informed decisions regarding their dancer’s health
4. By providing realistic, non-fear-based, expectations after injury
5. Set their dancer up for a healthy adulthood
“Meghan has helped me navigate my dance mom role and help my dancer with injury prevention and skills for his advancement in dance.”
–Denise, mom of a 13 y.o. dancer
One-on-One Services
Group Services
**Head2Toe Physical Therapy is a mobile practice and services are provided in clients' homes, dance studios, Pilates studios, or other locations across the Charlotte, NC region. Virtual services may be available for dancers unable to travel from other parts of North Carolina as well as those living in other states.
**Services are scheduled by appointment only. Please reach out to inquire about availability.
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Dr. Meghan Gearhart, PT, DPT, MS, CMTPT
As a former collegiate dancer, Meghan understands first-hand that dancers are both artists and athletes and they require specialized treatment. She has been helping dancers return to the studio and stage following minor and major injuries for the past decade. She is passionate about helping the dancers who feel misunderstood and frustrated when told to "rest and slowly work back into it" without any real guidance or appreciation for the complexity of what they do. |
Education:
Doctor of Physical Therapy – Emory University
Master of Science in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports Medicine – University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Arts in Dance – University of North Carolina – Charlotte
Additional Training:
Principles of Dance Medicine series – Harkness Center for Dance Injuries/NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital
Pilates Mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower Instructor Training – Balanced Body
Dry Needling Program – Myopain Seminars
Additional Involvement:
Atlanta Dance Medicine - Contract Physical Therapist
Drexel University, Physical Therapy Department - Clinical Mentor for ongoing dance medicine projects
Presentations/Teaching:
International Association of Dance Medicine & Science Annual Meetings – topics including adolescent dancers, Pilates-based rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance improvement
University of North Carolina – Charlotte, Department of Dance – topics including anatomy, injury prevention, and conditioning
Essentials of Dance Medicine Continuing Education course - topics including dance-specific exercise and communication with dance parents and teachers
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