Physical Therapy
The physical therapy service at Juilliard is unique in that students from all of the performing-arts disciplines —music, dance, drama, and voice—are treated in one setting. Free physical therapy is available to all students and appointments are scheduled every 30 minutes. Students in all disciplines are encouraged to seek guidance and take preventative measures by scheduling a physical therapy appointment before an injury becomes debilitating. The large physical therapy suite (located on the 22nd floor of the Meredith Willson Residence Hall Room 2204B) is equipped with modalities such as ultrasound, electro-stimulation and paraffin, Pilates machine, and an array of exercise apparatus.
All physical therapists have extensive experience and training in the treatment of performing artists. The therapist evaluates the student’s injury and technique to develop an individualized treatment program. Treatment focuses on manual therapy, alignment, and therapeutic exercise to improve muscle balance and movement strategies. The goal is to educate the student in self-care for healthful performance. The physical therapist will refer some students (depending on their injury) for consultation with the on-site consulting physiatrist who sees patients in the Health Services clinic on Wednesdays.
Occupational Therapy
The occupational therapist (O.T.) also cares for students from all disciplines and sees acute injuries or ongoing problems in upper extremities (shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand). Appointments for occupational therapy are scheduled every 30 minutes.
Upper extremity therapy is carried out primarily by the occupational therapist who treats the current injury, then works to regain previous conditioning, and to avoid recurrence. Each student receives individual care to meet the unique challenges of their schedule of practicing and performance. The occupational therapist will refer some students (depending on their injury) for consultation with the on-site physiatrist who sees patients in the Health Services clinic on Wednesdays.
The O.T. sees all types of hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries. The first evaluation includes tests and measurements to determine a unique treatment plan with immediate and long term goals. Treatment may include modalities, joint and soft tissue mobilization, splinting, active exercises, strengthening and conditioning. To effect the most useful treatment the O.T. also works with the student in their performing medium. The primary goal for treatment is a full and successful return to performance.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic Care for the performing artist – music, dance, drama and voice – is an outgrowth of sports medicine, yet distinctive for the specialized needs of the performing artist. Specializing in conservative care of the neck and back, it incorporates spinal alignment, soft tissue imbalances, posture and decreasing stressors placed on the human frame.
Chiropractic performing arts care deals not only with the elimination of pain and stress on the muscular skeletal system but also creating the best conditions for optimal performance. Chiropractic care at Juilliard achieves this through close collaboration with physical therapy and a team approach to care.