Erika Mayall was a dancer who went to physical therapy as a teenager and thought — why isn't there someone who actually understands what we do? So she became that person. Her breakdown of why the "dance through pain" mentality still exists, and what dancers are doing right now that's quietly causing harm, is essential listening for every dancer and dance parent.

In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Erika Mayall, licensed physiotherapist and former dancer who specializes in dancers and artistic athletes. They discuss what makes treating dancers uniquely different from other athletes, why the dance through pain mentality is so hard to break, and her top advice for dancers who want long, sustainable careers.

TIMESTAMPS:

[08:48] What Makes Treating Dancers Different

[16:08] Why the "Dance Through Pain" Mindset Still Exists [21:25] Advice for Dancers Who Want Long Careers

ABOUT THE GUEST: Erika Mayall is a licensed physiotherapist and former dancer who specializes in working with dancers and artistic athletes. She is the host of The Dance Physio Podcast, where she shares education and advice on common dance injuries, injury prevention, and safe training practices. She is passionate about bringing evidence-based, dancer-specific healthcare to the dance world.

ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.

CONNECT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/

Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742

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Topics discussed: dance injury prevention, dance through pain myth, physiotherapy for dancers, strength training for dancers, long ballet careers

Guest: Erika Mayall — Licensed Physiotherapist and Host of The Dance Physio Podcast

Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com