- Home
- Patient Care
- Services
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal
- Performing Arts Program
- Collaborative Services
Collaborative Services
Our members of the team include:
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialists (physiatrists) assist in coordinating the performing arts program. Physiatrists are trained in the non-operative management of musculoskeletal disorders. Heidi Prather, DO, and Devyani Hunt, MD, have worked with performing artists throughout their careers in both Chicago and St. Louis. They are professionally and personally involved in the performing arts community. Both are members of the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) and International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS).
Physical Therapists work with the performer to restore function of joints and muscles, improve balance and endurance and restore neuromuscular balance to facilitate performance. Lynnette Khoo-Summer, PT, DPT, is an assistant professor in physical therapy at Washington University Program in Physical Therapy. She danced professionally for 2 years in Chicago before embarking on her career in physical therapy. Her expertise is in the prevention and rehabilitation of all musculoskeletal conditions in injured artists as well as performance day coverage.
Occupational Therapists help to restore the hand and upper extremity functions needed to perform specific maneuvers while playing an instrument. This often involves stretching and strengthening exercises as well as splinting and ergonomic recommendations.
Speech Language Pathologists help performers improve vocal quality, resonance and endurance. Therapists identify vocal abuse or misuse on and off stage, then develop treatments for vocal conservation. Speech therapies include strategies for reducing voice fatigue, hoarseness and loss of voice. They also reinforce posture and breathing techniques for speaking and performing.
Chiropractic Physicians. Many musculoskeletal injuries respond well to chiropractic intervention including manual therapy and acupuncture. Chiropractic referral can be made according to individual need or performer’s request.