Physical Therapy and Performing Arts Consulting

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Dr. Emma Faulkner is a graduate of Emory University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program (2015) and completed her Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy at Mercer University in 2017. In 2018, Dr. Faulkner became a board certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). Dr. Faulkner’s clinical expertise lies in treating dancers and performing artists, general orthopedic injuries and conditions, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and myofascial pain syndromes.

 

Dr. Faulkner is a lead physical therapist for the Atlanta Ballet and head physical therapist for multiple modern dance companies in the Atlanta Metro where she provides both in-clinic therapy services as well as backstage care. She is also an adjunct faculty member in Emory University’s Department of Theater and Dance where she teaches Experiential Anatomy within the dance department. Dr. Faulkner participates actively in dance medicine research regarding hypermobility, taping for the performing artist, and choreography specific strength and conditioning programs for dancers and presents this research at local, national and international conferences.

 

A large part of Dr. Faulkner’s passion for physical therapy comes from personal experience in physical therapy rehabilitating dance injuries that she sustained during her 20+ years of dance and performing arts training. Dr. Faulkner trained extensively in ballet, modern, and contemporary styles through her childhood and high school years for before attending Elon University to study exercise science and dance. Many injuries, including a career ending ankle injury, allowed Dr. Faulkner to shift her career aspirations from a professional dancer and performing artist to physical therapist with the unique understanding of the life of a performer.

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