NM DANCE DOCTOR

For dancers across the New Mexico region, maintaining peak physical condition and recovering effectively from injuries are paramount to a long and successful career in the art form. This is precisely where NM DANCE DOCTOR, also known as Dance Medicine New Mexico, steps in as a vital resource in Albuquerque. More than just a physical therapy clinic, it is a dedicated center led by Dr. Elizabeth Lonergan, PT, DPT, who brings a unique blend of extensive classical dance training and advanced physical therapy expertise. This specialized focus means dancers, from aspiring students to seasoned professionals, receive care that truly understands the intricate demands of their bodies and their art. NM DANCE DOCTOR is committed to providing comprehensive treatment methods aimed at rehabilitating injuries, preventing future issues, and enhancing overall performance, ensuring New Mexico's dance community has access to the best possible care right here in the state.

NM DANCE DOCTOR is conveniently located at 1720 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, USA. This address places the clinic within an accessible part of Albuquerque, making it a practical destination for dancers and performing artists throughout the city and surrounding areas of New Mexico. Situated on Juan Tabo Boulevard NE, a prominent thoroughfare, the facility benefits from straightforward road access. For those traveling by car, there is typically ample parking available on-site or in the immediate vicinity, ensuring a convenient arrival and departure for appointments. While public transportation options vary by specific routes and schedules in Albuquerque, the location's direct access to a major road facilitates easy commutes for most clients. Its position within a well-established area of the city also means it is often near other community amenities, allowing for convenient integration into a daily routine. This prime Albuquerque location ensures that dancers and performing artists have ready access to specialized physical therapy care tailored specifically to their unique needs.

Services Offered:

• Physical Therapy for Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation: NM DANCE DOCTOR specializes in comprehensive physical therapy services specifically designed for the unique biomechanics and demands of dancers. This includes both proactive measures to prevent common dance injuries and effective rehabilitation programs for existing conditions.
• Technique Assessment: A crucial service involves in-depth technique assessments. Dr. Lonergan, with her background as a classically trained dancer, can identify subtle technical imbalances or habits that may contribute to injury or hinder performance, providing targeted guidance for improvement.
• Musculoskeletal Screening: These screenings are offered to identify any underlying musculoskeletal imbalances, weaknesses, or areas of limited mobility that could predispose a dancer to injury. Early detection allows for proactive intervention.
• Manual Therapy: This includes hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and myofascial release, used to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, and restore normal movement patterns.
• Dry Needling: A modern technique used to release muscle tension, alleviate pain, and improve range of motion by targeting trigger points within muscles with fine needles.
• Therapeutic Exercises: Tailored exercise programs are prescribed to strengthen specific muscle groups, improve flexibility, enhance balance, and re-educate movement patterns essential for dance performance and injury recovery.
• Pointe Assessments: For aspiring pointe dancers, specialized assessments ensure adequate strength, flexibility, and technique before beginning pointe work, helping to prevent injuries associated with this demanding form.
• Dance Specific Physical Therapy Training: Dr. Elizabeth Lonergan received advanced training with Marika Molnar, a renowned physical therapy provider for New York City Ballet, ensuring a high level of specialized care specifically adapted for dancers.
• Workshops and Educational Programs: (Based on Dance Medicine NM's blog and "Dancer Health Week" collaborations) The organization actively provides educational content and workshops on injury prevention, pilates technique, and other wellness topics relevant to dancers.

Features / Highlights:

• Specialized Expertise in Dance Medicine: The primary highlight is Dr. Elizabeth Lonergan's unique and highly specialized expertise. As a classically trained dancer herself (Cecchetti method) with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, she possesses an intimate understanding of the dancer's body, its demands, and its common injuries, making her care truly bespoke.
• Holistic and Comprehensive Treatment Approach: NM DANCE DOCTOR offers a "comprehensive treatment method" that goes beyond just treating symptoms. It includes prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement, addressing the dancer's overall well-being.
• Strong Foundation in Dance and Anatomy: Dr. Lonergan's background includes advanced education in dance, anatomy, and biomechanics, giving her a deep understanding of the physiological aspects of dance and how they relate to injury and performance.
• Adaptability to Various Dance Styles: While classically trained, Dr. Lonergan has expanded her knowledge to include modern, jazz, contemporary, ballroom, and flamenco, allowing her to understand the specific demands and common issues across various dance genres.
• Commitment to the New Mexico Dance Community: Dr. Lonergan is "passionate about bringing the best possible care to the dancers of New Mexico," demonstrating a strong dedication to the local arts community and its athletes.
• Focus on Injury Prevention: A significant emphasis is placed on proactive measures like musculoskeletal screening and technique assessment, which are crucial for preventing injuries before they occur, allowing dancers to sustain their careers.
• Professional Background: Dr. Lonergan's professional dance experience with Ballet Repertory Theater of New Mexico and her specialized training with a New York City Ballet PT provider underscore the high caliber of care offered.
• Educational Outreach: Their involvement in initiatives like "Dancer Health Week" and providing tips for injury prevention showcases a commitment to educating the wider dance community, not just individual clients.

Contact Information:

Address: 1720 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, USA

Phone: (505) 363-1465

For locals in the New Mexico region, particularly those deeply involved in the vibrant dance community of Albuquerque, NM DANCE DOCTOR (Dance Medicine New Mexico) is an absolutely indispensable resource. Its convenient location in Albuquerque ensures that specialized care is readily accessible, minimizing the logistical challenges for dancers who often have demanding training and performance schedules. What makes this facility uniquely suited for the local community is the exceptional and rare combination of expertise embodied by Dr. Elizabeth Lonergan, PT, DPT. Her deep, personal understanding of dance, honed through years of classical training and professional performance, combined with her advanced physical therapy credentials, means that dancers receive care that genuinely comprehends their specific physical and artistic needs.

This isn't generic physical therapy; it's a practice built by a dancer, for dancers. For New Mexico's dance students, teachers, and professionals, having access to specialized services like comprehensive technique assessments, targeted injury prevention strategies, and precise rehabilitation tailored to the demands of various dance styles is a game-changer. This commitment to holistic dancer wellness, from proactive screenings to recovery from acute injuries, helps ensure longevity in their careers and continued artistic expression. Furthermore, the dedication to contributing to the broader dance community through educational initiatives reinforces NM DANCE DOCTOR's role as a true partner in promoting dancer health throughout the state. For any dancer in New Mexico seeking to optimize their performance, prevent injuries, or recover with the most informed and empathetic care available, NM DANCE DOCTOR is the definitive local expert.

NM DANCE DOCTOR

1720 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, USA