Kristen Schuyten – The Performing Arts PT

On this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, host Dr. Alyssa Arms is joined by Dr. Kristen Schuyten, PT, DPT, MS, SCS, CSCS — board-certified sports physical therapist, strength and conditioning specialist, and educator.

Dr. Schuyten serves as a Clinical Specialist at MedSport through Michigan Medicine, works with the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, sits on the University of Michigan Concussion Center Faculty Council, lectures in the Department of Dance, volunteers as a physiotherapist for the U.S. Figure Skating National Team, and is the owner of PerformWell PLLC.

With 20 years of experience working with dancers, gymnasts, figure skaters, musicians, and other performing artists, Kristen has been instrumental in developing structured, evidence-informed concussion return-to-dance protocols — work that is currently being implemented at the university level and undergoing peer review.

This is a conversation that dance medicine professionals, educators, studio owners, and dancers themselves need to hear.

Episode Highlights

Concussion in Dance: Why dancers are at risk and why the field must catch up with consistent management and clearance strategies.

Return to Learn + Return to Dance: Implementing stepwise academic and performance progressions after concussion.

Building Institutional Protocols: How universities, studios, and organizations can create their own roadmap.

Warm-Up & Cool-Down: Why structured preparation and recovery matter for injury risk reduction.

Navigating Online Misinformation: Helping dancers differentiate social media advice from evidence-based care.

Connect with Dr. Kristen Schuyten

Follow Kristen for education and performing arts health resources: