In this episode we dive into chondromalacia and how it affects dancers. You'll learn what exactly chrondromalacia is, how it is graded and what causes it. You'll also learn the most common ways it presents in dancers, and best practice for treatment of it.

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 59: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Dancers
Episode 86: Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) in Dancers

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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With rates of scoliosis in dancers reported to be as high as 20-30% of dancers, it's no wonder this is a topic that gets a lot of attention within the dance world. As a follow-up to last week's episode (Episode 115: Scoliosis 101 with Andrea Mendoza of The ScoliClinic), in this week's episode I discuss the practicalities of dancing with scoliosis.

You'll learn the difference between a functional and structural scoliosis, the common patterns and asymmetries that teachers may observe and dancers feel in their body, as well as ways that dancers can learn to embrace and manage their scoliosis.

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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This week I'm joined by scoliosis expert and owner of The ScoliClinic Andrea Mendoza. Andrea shares her story and the inspiration behind opening a clinic specific for scoliosis clients and their families. We also touch on:

• what exactly scoliosis is and how it affects the body
• the pathophysiology behind scoliosis and why it happens
• how scoliosis affects dancer populations
• signs to look out for and when to refer to medical professionals
• treatment options for dancers with scoliosis

About Andrea:

Andrea Mendoza is a physiotherapist and business owner based in Vancouver, BC. After noticing the lack of services for teens with scoliosis and their families, Andrea founded The ScoliClinic in 2016. With a growing team and services ranging from 1:1 treatments, group classes, workshops, and a YouTube channel, The ScoliClinic strives to be a Centre of Excellence for scoliosis care, providing high-quality curve-specific physiotherapy and massage therapy to children, teens, and adults in British Columbia.

Over the past decade, Andrea has learned how to adapt typical business strategy and practice to this highly niche practice. With a drive to learn the 'anatomy of business', Andrea completed the Executive MBA program at SFU’s Beedie School of Business, with training in international markets through the Business in the Americas certificate. Combining this knowledge with her experience in building a specialty practice and an enthusiasm for philosophy, strategy, and leadership, she brings ideas from the conceptual world to material to push healthcare forward in her own business, and supports others to do the same.

In 2023, she was honoured to receive Business in Vancouver's Forty Under 40 Award in recognition of her achievements.

Connect with Andrea:
The ScoliClinic Website
The ScoliClinic on Instagram
The ScoliClinic Connect on YouTube

Resources:
2016 SOSORT Guidelines
Increased Prevalence of Scoliosis in Female Professional Ballet Performers 2025 article

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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Have you ever wondered what it's like to work with a dance physiotherapist? Or specifically with me or one of the physiotherapists at Allegro Performance + Wellness? In this podcast episode, I discuss the 5 key pillars of the philosophy that guides my approach to treatment and rehabilitation when working with dancers and other artistic athletes.

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 1: My Journey as a Dance Physiotherapist
Episode 32: Accommodating Modifications in Dance
Episode 77: The Rehabilitation Continuum

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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Welcome to 2026! On this podcast episode, I share my word of the year for 2026, as well as the process behind how and why I pick a word of the year. If you're looking for something a little different than traditional New Year's Resolutions (or maybe in addition to), have a listen to find out all about choosing a word of the year.

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 62: Word of the Year and Goal Setting for 2025

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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The winter break is fast approaching, and dancers are starting to think about how to get the most out of their time off. In this podcast episode, I dive into what your priorities for winter break training should be, especially if your break is on the longer side (ie longer than 2 weeks). I also discuss using the winter break to address any injuries or aches/pains that have crept up over the past weeks/months.


Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 60: Winter Break Training Plans for Dancers

Episode 9: Rest and Recovery for Dancers

Episode 26: Tips for Tapering in Dance


Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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Have you ever wondered why dancer's joints make so much noise? In this podcast episode, you'll learn what's actually happening when joints snap, crackle and pop, why it's so common in dancers, and when to be concerned about it.

Episodes mentioned in this podcast:
Episode 51: Snapping Hip Syndrome in Dancers

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

Support the show

The wait is over! The 2025 Holiday Gift Guide is here!

On this week's podcast episode, I bring you some of my favourite products for the dancers (or dance teachers ;) on your holiday list! Before you head out for your holiday shopping, have a listen and see which dancer health and wellness products I recommend.

Access the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

*Note: links below are not affiliate links and I receive no compensation from sharing - they're simply for ease of finding the product. Although some of these links are Amazon links (again for ease), when shopping please consider supporting small, local and/or women owned businesses.

Online Subscriptions:

The Library Aesthetic

From Head to Toe Academy

Myofascial Release Tools:

Tune Up Fitness balls

Silicone Cupping Set

Recovery Tools:

Red Light Wrap

Toe Spacers

Compression Boots

Apparel:

Barre Trash

Strength Equipment:

Adjustable weights

TRX

Hugimals

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