APTA Orthopedics Podcasts - Previously Ortho Static

APTA Orthopedics Podcasts - Previously Ortho Static


Managing Concussions in Performing Arts: A New PT Protocol

July 09, 2025

Watch the presentation on APTA Orthopedics YouTube!


Performing arts students face unique physical and sensory demands that are not adequately addressed in traditional concussion recovery protocols. In one of our innovative practice award winners presentation, Kristen Schuyten, Paola Savvidou, and Allyssa Memmini share their innovative development of the Progressive Return-to-Performance Protocol. This interdisciplinary effort fills a critical void in post-concussion management for dancers, musicians, and theater students at the university level. The presentation explores mechanisms of injury in the performing arts, limitations of current return-to-learn and return-to-sport models, and the Delphi-based development of a stage-based protocol tailored to the performing arts. Learn how this framework supports collaboration between medical and academic teams and explore next steps for implementation in clinical and educational settings.


Learn more about this award-winning concussion protocol: https://www.orthopt.org/content/s/innovative-practice-award-winners


Target Audience:

Orthopaedic physical therapists, sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, academic faculty, student health providers, neuro PTs, clinicians treating concussion, performing arts medicine specialists, university healthcare professionals